Lessons Learned and the Future of Farming with Fred Morales and Troy Swift
Hi, y’all! Johanna here from the TX Soil Sisters.
(The podcast media player is below w/ links to things we talk about. Or listen here.)
What can the future of farming look like when we combine generations of wisdom with regenerative innovation?
In this episode of Soil Sisters podcast, we bring you two standalone conversations with Soil Sisters mentors Fred Morales of Morales Feed & Supply and Troy Swift of Swift River Pecans.
Recorded at the Southern Family Farmers and Food Systems Conference on August 4, 2026, these conversations offer an inside look at the experiences, ideas, and regenerative practices helping shape a more resilient future for agriculture.
A Conversation with Fred Morales
Fred Morales shares the story behind Morales Feed & Supply and the lessons he learned growing up, working the family farm. Inspired by his grandfather, who immigrated from Mexico and taught him the importance of recycling and reusing resources from the land and creating animal feed blends, Fred developed a deep appreciation for stewardship and efficiency.
Fred started the business in 1981 by buying, selling, and delivering hay in South Texas. For over 43 years, Morales Feed & Supply has prided itself on providing customers all over South Texas with premium feed, hay, and other farm and ranch supplies. The Devine location opened first in the early 1980's, serving the surrounding ranching communities with hay and feed. Over the years, as customers' needs changed, so did Morales Feed & Supply.
After years of selling conventional agricultural inputs, Fred began exploring biological and regenerative approaches. Today, he sees an important opportunity to bridge conventional and regenerative ag solutions—and to help farmers become prosperous and prepared for the future.
Fred also shares his concern around preparing the next generation for a changing agricultural landscape and why regenerative agriculture will be essential to family farming's long-term viability.
A Conversation with Troy Swift
In a separate conversation, Troy Swift of Swift River Pecans takes us into the world of regenerative pecan production and reflects on his soil health efforts over the past several years.
Troy began transitioning to regenerative practices after a grove of pecan trees began dying. By focusing on soil health and building stronger, more resilient trees, he has reduced his reliance on fungicides while rethinking how he manages the orchard as an interconnected ecosystem.
Troy also discusses his collaboration with the Noble Research Institute, including trials designed to generate unbiased data on improvements in soil health. His work includes rainwater collection, reducing nitrogen applications, and finding practical ways to make pecan production more sustainable and resilient.
Soil Health & the Future of Agriculture
Although Fred and Troy have different agricultural backgrounds and operations, their conversations reveal a common thread: the importance of soil health.
For Troy, water is the "most common denominator"—a resource that connects consumers, farmers, ranchers, communities, and the future of agriculture. He emphasizes the need for greater education around water management and the potential of regenerative practices to improve water retention and build healthier soils.
Fred and Troy offer valuable perspectives on what it means to learn from the past while embracing new approaches to agriculture. And they encourage more dialogue around the bigger conversations of land ownership, succession planning, and preparing the next generation of farmers and ranchers.
Happy farming and healthy living, y’all.
Jo (and Crystal) ❤️
P.S. Receive Our TX Soil Sisters Newsletter by Signing Up Here.
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE:
💚 Our Sponsors walk the walk & talk the talk. 💚
✨ @drinktejastonic - The official beverage of the TX Soil Sisters ✨
When you buy Tejas Tonic you’re supporting a Texas farm that's vertically integrated into Texas-made products. The hemp for this blissful bevvy is organically farmed in the Texas Hill Country. Enjoy 15% off Tejas Tonic w/ code: SISTERS at checkout 💰
⚡️ @b_pelectric - The Soil Sisters Podcast is powered by B&P Electric ⚡️
Whether you’re building, remodeling, installing low-voltage landscape lighting, or in need of an inspection. B&P is your central Texas electrical contractor. Tell ‘em the Soil Sisters sent you. 😎
Save 15% w/ soilsisters15 at checkout.
🔥 FireHawk Bioherbicide 🔥 is a fast acting, non-selective contact herbicide that controls many common broadleaf and grassy weeds. From gardens and homesteads to vineyards and regenerative farms, FireHawk can be used for careful spot treatments around crops, landscapes, and non crop areas. And now FireHawk is available in super concentrate giving growers flexible high performance weed control that mixes easily with water. Learn more at firehawkbioherbicide.com and use code: soilsisters15 to save 15% on your purchase. 🔥
Time Stamps & Links
00:00 Welcome to Soil Sisters
00:21 Meet Fred Morales, Morales Feed & Supply
01:50 Roots in Regenerative
05:12 From Farm to Feed Store
06:02 Watching Conventional Fail
07:43 Pivoting to Biologicals
09:23 Grandpa vs Fertilizer
10:59 Training the Next Crew
12:19 Why Regen Is Inevitable
14:22 Big Ag Extraction Cycle
15:00 Helping Farmers Win Long Term
15:43 Soil Tests and Solutions
18:13 Who Will Own the Land
20:35 Matchmaking Land and Farmers
22:42 Connecting with Fred Morales
25:28 Troy Swift Shares Swift River Pecans Regenerative Results
27:40 Breaking Disease Triangle
31:36 Cutting Fungicides Safely
34:45 Data-Driven Orchard Trials
36:03 Industry Adoption Momentum
37:21 Highlights on the SFFFS Conference
40:00 Water as Common Denominator
45:43 Rainwater and Condensate Hacks
47:20 Wrap Up and Credits