Meet Your Farmer: Stiebrs Farm

In 1949, Jan and Zelma Stiebrs immigrated to the United States from Latvia with their two small children, Anita and Jon. It was summer and their first job in this country was picking strawberries and beans in the Tumwater Valley. All the while they worked, they were dreaming of owning their own business.

In 1953, with a big dream and 100 hens, they started selling eggs. Jon and his dad sold their farm fresh eggs door to door to neighbors and friends. They began calling on businesses in Tacoma, Washington and soon had enough business to keep the family going.

In 1978, Jan and Zelma retired. Jon and Dianna, along with their three children, Kiasa, Yany, and Ania, now own and operate the family business. Their three grandchildren, Hailey, Abby, and Jacob are now adding the fourth generation’s help in the growing business. Now, 52 years since they sold their first dozen eggs, about 70 people work for Stiebrs Farms.