Advanced Farming Equipment Trends / Ft. Tom Riel

Mid Year Market & Crop Update

In Episode 25, Mike and Drew catch up on both the hop market and how this year's crop is looking. The industry continues to work through an inventory correction as acreage declines, market share shifts, and availability tightens for certain varieties. The conversation explores why now is the time for stronger partnerships and better communication across the supply chain. Mike and Drew also discuss early crop observations, current production challenges, and why growers, brewers, and brokers need to share market shifts, inventory levels, and future needs earlier and more often as the market continues to evolve.

Supply Chain Advocate & Connector / Ft. Pete Mahony

In Episode 24, Mike and Drew sit down with the legendary Pete Mahony, a true friend to hop growers, to discuss nearly 40 years in the hop industry—from the days of handshake contracts, to the craft beer boom that changed the business forever. Pete shares thoughtful insight on the industry’s evolution, process innovation, hop extracts, and the balance between tradition, technology, and relationships that continues to shape the future of hops.

Advanced Farming Equipment Trends / Ft. Tom Riel

In Episode 23, Mike and Drew sit down with Tom Riel of Burrows Tractor, a Pacific Northwest staple since 1939, to discuss his job as sales manger and the company’s relationship-driven culture. They explore the rising cost of innovation in ag equipment and how manufacturers and dealers collaborate to deliver advanced solutions, then look ahead to emerging technologies like autonomous tractors, AI-driven robotics, Orchard IQ camera systems, drones, and electric machinery. The conversation also touches on rapid advancements abroad, all underscoring a central theme of partnership across the industry to keep agriculture moving forward—“No tractors, no dirt, no flowers.”

Trust Through Daily Discipline / Ft. Mathias Gargus

In Episode 22, Mike and Drew catch up with Mathias Gargus, reflecting on a 30-year friendship and partnership with Roy Farms—and plenty of stories from the journey with D&M Chem. They revisit the early years in Moxee, the ups and downs of building a business, and how consistency shapes long-term outcomes. Built by two brothers on hard work and service, D&M grew into a team of agronomists dedicated to supporting growers with crop input expertise and innovative solutions, meeting challenges with grit and daily discipline. More than anything, it’s a story about trust, relationships, and the power of staying the course.

Leader Built to Solve Problems / Ft. Scott Haney

In Episode 21, Scott Haney, COO of Roy Farms, joins Mike and Drew to share his fast transition into the role after five years of hands-on leadership. With a mechanical mindset and relentless problem-solving approach, he’s helped bring structure and stability to operations. Alongside a few fun side conversations, we explore his 20-year journey in packaging, the value of reinvesting in technology, and strategies for staying competitive in agriculture—all with a focus on placing the right people in the right roles and making smart internal moves for long-term growth.