No Dirt No Flowers Podcast

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.

In Episode 13, Laylin Ledezma, HR Manager at Roy Farms, joins Mike and Drew to discuss the pressing labor challenges facing agriculture today. With years of experience in employee management, Laylin shares insights into how the farm supports its team while navigating a complex regulatory and labor landscape. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in the people behind the farm and the ongoing efforts to build a positive, sustainable workforce at Roy Farms.

In Episode 12, Isaiah Smith, Director of Supply Chain at Creature Comforts Brewing Co. and Co-Founder / CEO of Our Culture Brewing. With over a decade in supply chain, Isaiah blends strategic insight with a deep passion for craft beer. In this conversation he emphasizes the importance of cross-functional communication, building stronger partnerships with agricultural suppliers and believes transparent collaboration is the key to sustainable growth. Isaiah brings heart, clarity, and forward-thinking strategy to this conversation — always with an eye on building a better tomorrow.

In Episode 11, Scott Dorsch of Odell Brewing reflects on his 25-year journey from a background in small grains and barley to a career in hop breeding and brewing. He brought his love of agronomy to Odell, starting in packaging and quickly working his way up to brewer. Now in his 16th year at the brewery, Scott oversees raw materials quality. Known for his deep technical knowledge and passion for the industry, he truly lives and breathes his work. A great episode full of insight and good conversation!

In Episode 10, Joe Mohrfeld, Director of Brewing at Pinthouse Brewing in Austin, shares insights from his almost 17 years in craft beer — from his start at Odell Brewing to his role as a Washington ambassador for the Hop Quality Group. We dive into the importance of strong relationships with hop growers, the value of maintaining choice in hop selection, and how brewer feedback helps shape the next generation of hop varieties. A must-listen for anyone passionate about farming, and the future of hops.

In Episode 9, Mike and Drew sit down with Joe Mastrorocco, our Sales Director at Roy Farms. The conversation drifts into some fun, off-topic moments, but mainly centers on a mid-harvest check-in, market insights, and the hop varieties we've already picked — and those still coming in. All of this unfolds over some incredibly tasty harvest beers, generously sent by our brewery friends.

In Episode 8, as hop harvest kicks off, Mike and Drew sit down for a pre-harvest check-in to reflect on the growing season so far. They dig into how the crop is shaping up, what they’re seeing in the fields, and share a quick market update based on recent visits with breweries and industry partners. Plus—for the first time—two more Roys hop on the mic for a bit of family chatter.

In Episode 7, Mike, Drew, and returning guest Leslie Roy begin a series on varietal hop origins. Have you ever wondered what the C, T, and Z stand for in CTZ? This episode is for you! Squirrel moments with Leslie, lawsuits, clones, sisters, cloned sisters, powdery mildew, international hop markets, and... car trunk roots.

In Episode 6, Mike and Drew are joined by Megan Twomey from Latitude 46, a Pacific Northwest hop breeding company. They'll be talking about Megan's background, the history of the breeding company, new varieties, and all things hops.

In Episode 5, Mike flies solo, interviewing Mason Lanphear from Vital Agronomics, and discussing all things water and irrigation. This one's for all you hydro-heads out there, so get ready to dive in and enjoy the episode.

In Episode 4, Mr. Leslie Roy comes on the podcast to help Mike and Drew finish the conversation on how the hop industry got to where it's at today. If you know him it’ll be no surprise this episode is going to be a long one. Hopefully you’ll find it as entertaining and enjoyable as we find him to be!

In Episode 3, Mike and Drew welcome their first guest, Blake Crosby from Crosby Hops. They get into the history of Crosby Farms, Blake's insights on the hop industry's current state, and the exciting new partnership they've just announced.

In Episode 2, Mike and Drew will be taking a look at the current hop world and how we, both Roy Farms itself, and the overall industry has gotten to where we are today. We will be following up with a part two of this discussion!

Welcome to our maiden episode of No Dirt No Flowers! In Episode 1, Mike and Drew from Roy Farms discuss the importance of the show and our goals of bringing a new level of transparency to the industry.