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In Episode 28, Eric Desmarais, owner of fifth-generation CLS Farms in Moxee, Washington, joins Mike and Drew to continue last episode’s conversation on market stability and what works. Bringing the perspective of an independent grower, Eric reflects on market instability and grower-direct programs of the late ’80s and ’90s, connecting those lessons to an industry where competition is as fierce as ever. He shares why competition can be part of the healing process—and why growers must be mindful not to compete so aggressively that they end up competing against themselves.

In Episode 27, Leslie joins Mike and Drew for a history lesson on agricultural marketing arrangements, including cooperatives, marketing orders, and other efforts to stabilize the hop market. We’ll explore the challenges facing independent growers, particularly in markets heavily influenced by public varieties, and ask whether voluntary cooperation, shared volume commitments, and transparent cost structures can improve price stability, and security. What has worked in the past, what hasn’t, and what lessons can help independent hop growers build a stronger, more stable future?

In Episode 26, Mike and Drew welcomed good friends Leslie Roy and Mike Smith of Loftus Ranches for a long, fun conversation. Filled with stories, history, and insights from their decades in the hop industry as we look back on memorable moments like the 1970s "Think Tank" meetings, hauling refrigerators and generators to Idaho for hop cuttings, and the legendary "midnight roll" during the Marketing Order era. We also discuss the industry's evolution—from drip irrigation, direct brewer contracts, and the creation of Yakima Chief through the Hopunion merger to the rise of craft brewing, the fall of the Yakima Co-op, and navigating major market corrections—before exploring today's challenges around breeding programs, quality, branding, contracting, and grower-brewer relationships. Above all, Mike and Leslie reflect on the friendships and partnerships that have defined an industry they are grateful to have been part of for generations.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

In Episode 20, Mike sits down with Leslie to explore the origin story of Summit™—a conversation that quickly wanders through other hop varieties and dips into the history of low-trellis farming. Along with plenty of squirrel moments, they unpack Summit’s complicated reputation, shaped by strong opinions and some challenging years. After years of work to clean it up and eliminate viruses, Summit™ is making a comeback—healthier, stronger, and finally being expanded again this year.

In Episode 19, Mike and Drew hit the road and record an almost full hour of unedited conversation while driving down to Bend, Oregon for meetings. The convo quickly flows into what it’s like to co-captain Roy Farms together; Dividing roles and responsibilities, the different skill sets we each bring to the operation, and how understanding each other’s energy management systems has become a critical part of making the partnership work. Learning how each person shows up — mentally, physically, and emotionally — is just as important as the work itself. This episode is about partnership and removing those energy vampires!

In Episode 18, Mike and Andy sit down with Matt Couch and Kirby Kirkconnell of Old Gregg Brewing in Austin, Texas, during the second Latitude 46 Hop EXPerience of the year for a wide-ranging conversation on craft, community, and quality. They discuss their early brewing days, the first year of Old Gregg, and the realities of launching a brewpub in today’s market, along with their Czech pour influence and work with the 1631 hop variety. From unique ingredients and fast, freshness-focused lager production to farmer relationships, sensory selection, their consulting work with Solon Consulting, and the thoughtful repurposing of their brewery space, everything comes back to one core principle: quality above all else.

Season Two kicked off on the road in San Diego during Hop EXPerience with our first-ever travel podcast. We sat down with Jeremy Moynier and J.T. Albright from Stone Brewing, Teddy Gowan from Societe Brewing Company, with Andy Roy and Joe Mastrorocco joining the conversation. We talk about creativity beyond brewing, what brewers are looking for in new hop varieties and aroma profiles, current IPA trends, and how relationships and collaboration continue to shape the industry—plus a look at the past, present, and future of the Hop EXPerience—and a little word association at the end just for fun!

In this season one wrap-up episode, Mike and Drew turn the microphones on each other. They get a little personal, reflect on the past year, share what they'd like to see in the industry, and look ahead with predictions for 2026—plus a few side stories with pet cougars, rock climbing and the adventures that keep them inspired.

In Episode 15, Mike and Drew talk with Zach Turner, owner and operator of Single Hill Brewery in Yakima, Washington. Raised in Bellingham, Zach began his career as a biologist studying ecophysiology at field stations and labs in Colorado before transitioning into brewing. He went on to work at Odell Brewing Company and later served as Quality Manager and Sustainability Lead at Hop Union (now Yakima Chief Hops). The conversation covers hop and brewing insights, including lot selection, grower relationships, and processing timelines, along with some fun detours into rallying cars, a harvest demolition derby, the “Dank-O-Meter”, The Farming Game, and the possibility of sushi grade.

In Episode 14, Mike and Drew have fun veering off track with a series of sound effects, but amidst the noise they provide valuable updates. They recap the recent harvest, reflect on the overall 2025 growing season, discuss anticipated future conditions, and highlight a couple upcoming events that Roy Farms has planned for the start of the new year.