I don't know where you purchase all of your seed garlic, but that which you got from peaceful valley farm supply most likely was grown in Oregon. Quite a way west and north from where you are located.(and quite a different climate) Most growers say that it takes three seasons for garlic to acclimate itself to a new location. That seems to be true here.
Have you noticed any improvement in second and third season plantings?

No It seems that the cloves division stays that way. I am wondering if the very fertile soil we have them in may encourage divison ?? We planted this years crop in a new not as fertile field so I will see...

Do you have the high humidity that New Bern, NC has? If so, I would wonder if that has any effect. I saw only elephant garlic being grown there. No hard or soft necks. My sister in law has a few of mine started just outside NB. Will be interesting to see what it does. It just got sprouted when the cold arrived.