when you choose our hops, you’re not just getting a product - you’re getting a piece of who we are.
Our team
Flathead Valley Hops is a family-run farm rooted in hard work, tradition, and a shared love of agriculture. From planting to pelletizing, we work side by side across generations—parents, siblings, spouses, and kids—pouring our passion into every step of the hop-growing process. What started as a leap of faith has grown into Montana’s largest hop farm, built on the values of quality, integrity, and family. When you choose our hops, you’re not just getting a product—you’re getting a piece of who we are.
OWNER
Hunter riddle
Hunter is the driving force behind Flathead Valley Hops, managing everything from fieldwork to sales with a hands-on, detail-oriented approach. With deep farming roots, he oversees farm operations, management, and brewer relationships to ensure top-quality hops. A true jack-of-all-trades, Hunter is passionate about farming and creating the perfect hop.
His favorite hop is Centennial for its lemon-citrus aroma and towering growth.
OWNER
MACKENZIE RIDDLE
Mackenzie specializes in hop harvest and processing, overseeing drying, pelletizing, packaging, and shipping to meet brewers’ high standards. He plays a key role in ensuring quality and freshness in every batch. Outside of work, he enjoys music, food, dancing, and hunting.
His favorite hop is Saaz, known for its aroma and perfect fit in the German-style beer he loves.
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
alex riddle
Alex, the farm’s office administrator and Hunter’s wife, manages daily office operations and keeps everything organized behind the scenes. She loves working alongside her family and hopes her kids will continue the farming tradition. Outside the office, Alex enjoys cooking, gardening, dancing with her kids, and reading.
Her favorite hop is Vista, for its bright grapefruit notes, wild cone shape, and impressive size.
FOREMAN
JULIO OBESO
Julio is the hardworking backbone of Flathead Valley Hops, handling irrigation, equipment, and harvest tasks with exceptional care. He was the very first person to string hops when the farm started and now leads the seasonal crew with steady leadership. Known for his quiet but sharp sense of humor, Julio enjoys video games and time with his wife.
His favorite hop is Cashmere—sticky to pick but quick to dry with the most amazing smell in the kiln.
CO-FOUNDER
BRIAN RIDDLE
Brian, co-founder and husband to Bridget, led the transition from traditional crops to hops farming, helping create Flathead Valley Hops. Dedicated to the farm’s success and family legacy, Brian takes great joy watching the farm grow and in his sons continuing the mission he and Bridget set forth - to farm as a family. Outside farming, he enjoys a good bourbon and hunting.
His favorite hop is Hallertau - dang it makes a good beer!
CO-FOUNDER
BRIDGET RIDDLE
Co-founder Bridget helped turn Flathead Valley Hops into what it is today, working alongside her family through every step. Now retired from daily operations, she still helps during pelletizing. Outside the farm, Bridget raises hundreds of show-quality chickens, has an infectious laugh some say sounds like a chicken, and loves flashy shoes and her grandkids.
Her favorite hop is El Dorado, for its tropical, tutti frutti aroma.
LEGACY
ED LARA
The farm’s heart and soul, Ed’s legacy lives on through family and farm. His career started in California’s Central Valley, where Ed grew a wide variety of crops with pride and respect for the land. With his wife Charlene, he raised Bridget, passing down strong family values. Ed was the farm’s quiet foundation and the reason Flathead Valley Hops exists today. Remembered for his colorful shirts, love of old cars, and a green thumb, his spirit is woven into every part of Flathead Valley Hops.