Our
Story
A Central Oregon
Legacy
1st Generation
Eberhard’s Dairy Products was founded by John Sr. and Nelda Eberhard in 1951. Nelda came from an Oregon Trail pioneer family. John immigrated from Switzerland in 1926, leaving behind his family's small dairy farm in the village of Schänis with a suitcase and a ticket to America. He arrived in Oregon with 95 cents in his pocket.
John became a United States citizen in 1941 and worked at several dairies in Oregon before he and Nelda had the opportunity to buy what is now the Eberhard’s building.
The dairy began as a Swift & Company cream buying station. John purchased farm separated cream from local farmers, churned it into butter, and sold it to the community, beginning his passion for developing local dairy products.
2nd Generation
As the second generation entered the business, John Eberhard Jr., Bob Eberhard, and Richard Eberhard worked alongside their father, each contributing their own strengths in production, sales, and operations.
Together, they built the company’s foundation and shaped Eberhard’s into the business that it is today.
Heart of Oregon
Eberhard's Expands
In 1983 Eberhard's joined Quality Chek’d Dairies Association which provided resources for purchasing, food safety programs, and the opportunity to gain recognition for product excellence at a national level.
In 1991, Eberhard's undertook an 18-month remodeling project that included construction of Central Oregon's largest freezer, measuring 5,000 square feet and 24 feet high.
3rd and 4th Generations
Current owner and CEO Mark Eberhard (third generation) began working at Eberhard’s while still in elementary school, bagging ice and helping wherever he was needed. Over the years Mark developed an expertise in production and led the department for many years before taking on an executive role.
Today, the family tradition continues with Mark Eberhard working alongside the fourth generation of family leadership: Lonny Holston, Emily (Eberhard) Holston, and Maddie (Eberhard) Kirby.
In May of 1965 Eberhard's “Heart of Oregon” cottage cheese and butter was introduced and sold in Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties.
Two years later, in January 1967, Eberhard's expanded its operations by producing milk and ice cream under the same “Heart of Oregon” label, becoming Central Oregon's full-service dairy processor.
Moo Moo Belle
In 2006 Moo Moo Belle was introduced as the Eberhard's company mascot when a naming contest was broadcast to Central Oregon.
Community members submitted hundreds of entries and the name Moo Moo Belle fit just right. You can spot her friendly face on Eberhard's product labels and at events around Central Oregon.
Thank you!
We recognize that you have many choices and we are honored to have earned your business.
Eberhard’s is dedicated to continue serving the communities of Central and Eastern Oregon and we are grateful for the loyalty and support of generations of customers.
