Best Types of Soil Treatment for South Texas Farms

Healthy soil is the foundation of a productive South Texas farm. With the region’s sandy loam, clay-heavy areas, and frequent drought cycles, maintaining soil structure and nutrient balance requires intentional care. The right soil treatments not only boost crop performance but also improve water retention, organic matter, and long-term farm sustainability. Here are the most effective soil treatments for farms across South Texas.

1. Compost and Organic Matter

Adding compost is one of the fastest ways to improve soil health in the region. South Texas soils often lack organic matter, which limits moisture retention and microbial activity. Compost enriches the soil with beneficial bacteria and fungi, improves structure, and increases nutrient availability. Whether applied annually or used to top-dress fields, compost remains a cornerstone of regenerative soil management.

2. Lime for pH Balance

Many South Texas farms struggle with acidic soils, especially in areas with heavy rainfall or naturally low pH. Applying agricultural lime helps neutralize acidity, making nutrients more accessible to crops. Maintaining a balanced pH is essential for root development, fertilizer efficiency, and strong yields. Soil testing is always recommended before applying lime to determine the right rate for your acreage.

3. Cover Crops for Soil Protection

Cover crops like rye, clover, and winter peas help protect soil during off-seasons while improving fertility. These crops reduce erosion, break up compacted soil, and feed the microbial ecosystem with organic matter. Legume cover crops also fix nitrogen naturally—lowering fertilizer costs and enriching soil for spring planting. In drought-prone regions like South Texas, cover crops play a vital role in moisture conservation.

4. Micronutrient Amendments

South Texas soils are commonly deficient in key micronutrients such as zinc, magnesium, and sulfur. Supplementing with targeted micronutrient blends ensures crops receive the complete nutrition needed for proper growth. These amendments work especially well when paired with compost or fertilizer programs.

5. Deep Ripping and Aeration

Compacted soils restrict water infiltration and root growth. Mechanical aeration or deep ripping helps break up hardpan layers, allowing roots to access deeper moisture reserves. This treatment is particularly beneficial after heavy grazing or repeated equipment use.

Improving soil health is one of the most valuable investments South Texas farmers can make. With consistent treatment and region-specific strategies, your farm can build more resilient, productive, and profitable land year after year. 

The Benefits of Feeding Cottonseed: A Smart, Sustainable Choice for Livestock Nutrition

Cottonseed has become one of the most reliable, cost-effective feed options for ranchers looking to improve herd performance without sacrificing nutrition quality. Packed with protein, energy, and fiber, whole cottonseed offers a well-balanced feed supplement that supports cattle during demanding seasons – especially winter, calving, or drought. As more producers turn toward sustainable and locally sourced feed ingredients, cottonseed continues to stand out as a smart choice for long-term herd health.

High Energy for Improved Body Condition

Cottonseed is dense in fat and energy, making it a powerful supplement for maintaining and improving body condition. Whether you’re supporting cows through late gestation, helping bulls regain condition after breeding season, or managing stressed cattle, cottonseed provides the extra calories needed for consistent performance. The added fat also contributes to a healthier hair coat and better overall herd appearance.

Balanced Protein and Fiber in One Feed

One of the biggest advantages of cottonseed is that it contains both protein and effective fiber, reducing the need to purchase multiple supplements. Its protein levels support muscle development and milk production, while its long fibers aid digestion and rumen function. This nutrient combination helps cattle make better use of existing forage, stretching your pasture or hay supply further—an invaluable benefit during dry months or tight feed windows.

Cost-Effective and Easy to Incorporate

Compared to many commercial feeds, whole cottonseed offers excellent value. It can be fed alone as a supplement, blended into a ration, or incorporated into TMR mixes. Its versatility makes it ideal for operations of all sizes, from small hobby herds to large ranching programs across South Texas.

Why Buy Cottonseed from Morales Feed & Supply?

At Morales Feed and Seed, cottonseed is one of our most in-demand products—because we only source high-quality, clean, and consistent seed. Our team helps ranchers determine the right feeding rates for their herd goals, ensuring you get the most value from your supplement program. Whether you need bulk loads, bags, or a recurring supply during winter, Morales Feed is your trusted partner for dependable livestock nutrition.

Strengthen your herd and your bottom line with whole cottonseed—available now at Morales Feed & Supply. Let us help you build a smarter, more efficient feeding program this season.

Winter Survival Tips for South Texas Farms: How to Protect Your Land, Livestock, and Operation

While South Texas isn’t known for relentless blizzards or subzero temperatures, the region is known for sudden cold snaps, unpredictable freezes, and long stretches of dry, windy weather during the winter months. These rapid temperature swings can catch farms off guard—impacting livestock health, forage availability, and overall productivity. Preparing ahead is the key to ensuring your operation stays resilient when the weather turns harsh.

1. Build a Winter Nutrition Plan

Winter may bring dormant pastures and reduced grazing quality. South Texas cattle often require supplemental feed to maintain body condition—especially pregnant cows and growing calves. Incorporating high-energy feeds such as cubes, cottonseed, or protein tubs ensures your herd receives the calories and nutrients needed to thrive through cold spells. Planning your feed inventory early prevents last-minute shortages when a freeze hits.

2. Protect Your Water Sources

Even in South Texas, stock tanks and water troughs can freeze on bitter mornings. Insulated troughs, tank heaters, or simply checking and breaking ice daily keep cattle drinking consistently—a critical factor in maintaining digestion and overall health. Make repairs to water lines before winter to prevent costly breaks when temperatures drop.

3. Provide Adequate Shelter and Windbreaks

You don’t need elaborate barns to protect your livestock. Natural windbreaks like brush lines, hay bales, or temporary fencing panels can drastically reduce wind chill stress. For smaller livestock—goats, sheep, or poultry—ensure they have dry bedding, draft-free housing, and protection from cold rain, which can be more dangerous than the temperature itself.

4. Monitor Body Condition Early and Often

Cold weather increases energy demands. Cattle in poor condition entering winter will struggle the most. Regularly assessing body condition scores helps you catch nutritional gaps before they become health issues. Adjust feed levels proactively to ensure your herd enters spring strong and productive.

5. Prepare Your Pastures and Equipment

Before winter arrives, repair fences, service tractors, stock up on hay, and create a plan for rotational grazing. Healthy, rested pastures tolerate winter stress far better and rebound quickly when temperatures warm. Preventative equipment maintenance also reduces downtime during crucial feeding windows.

Stay Ahead of the Weather

South Texas winters may be short, but they can be intense. A thoughtful preparation strategy protects your land, your livestock, and your bottom line. Planning now ensures your farm not only survives the season—but enters spring ready for growth. Connect with Morales Feed and Seed for the best tips for your farm.

How Morales Feed & Supply Can Elevate Your South Texas Deer Hunting Experience

South Texas is known for producing some of the most sought-after whitetail deer in the country. Hunters travel from all over to experience the region’s dense brush country, mesquite flats, and high-protein habitat. But successful hunting doesn’t happen by accident – it starts with strategic preparation. That’s where Morales Feed & Supply comes in. With high-quality feed, expert support, and reliable service, Morales helps landowners, hunters, and managers elevate every part of the deer hunting experience.

Premium Protein & Corn to Attract and Hold Deer

Healthy whitetails don’t just appear; they’re built. Morales Feed & Supply carries a full lineup of premium protein feeds, high-quality corn, and specialty blends designed to improve body condition, antler growth, and overall herd health. Their consistent supply ensures hunters can feed year-round, keeping deer on the property and reducing seasonal fluctuations. Whether you’re prepping early in the season or maintaining late-fall nutrition, Morales has the right products to support every stage of your feeding program.

Food Plot Seed That Works in South Texas

A well-managed food plot can be a game changer for deer movement and long-term habitat health. Morales Feed & Supply offers proven seed mixes – from small grains to brassicas to Green Cover wildlife blends—selected for South Texas’ unique climate and soil conditions. These options provide dependable germination, quality forage, and strong attraction throughout the hunting season. Even better, the team at Morales can help you choose the right mix for your acreage, rainfall patterns, and goals.

Expert Advice Based on Real South Texas Conditions

Unlike big-box stores, Morales Feed & Supply understands the exact challenges local hunters face: drought, sandy soils, hard clay bottoms, mesquite competition, erratic rainfall, and protein demands specific to South Texas whitetails. Their staff offers real knowledge – not generic advice – helping customers fine-tune feeding strategies, timing, and seasonal needs.

Dependable Service That Keeps You in the Field

When season arrives, the last thing you need is to run short on feed or scramble for supplies. Morales Feed & Supply prides itself on consistent inventory, fast service, and a team that helps load your truck and get you back on the road quickly. Hunters appreciate that reliability, especially during peak-season weekends when every minute matters.

Why Morales Feed & Supply Is South Texas’ Trusted Source for Hay, Feed & Seed

When it comes to keeping livestock healthy, maintaining productive fields, and supporting reliable ranch operations, South Texas producers need a feed store they can count on. Morales Feed & Supply has earned that trust for decades, becoming the go-to destination for high-quality hay, livestock feed, and premium seed blends throughout the region. As a family-owned operation with deep roots in the local community, Morales delivers not just products—but dependable service, expertise, and consistency.

Premium Hay You Can Count On

Quality hay is essential for cattle, horses, goats, and show animals, and Morales Feed & Supply is committed to sourcing only clean, fresh, high-nutrient bales. Whether customers need coastal, alfalfa, or specialty hay, Morales ensures every bundle is inspected for quality and stored properly to preserve freshness. Reliability matters in South Texas—especially during drought years—and Morales has built a reputation on always keeping hay in stock when customers need it most.

Trusted Livestock Feed for Every Operation

From backyard poultry to large-scale cattle ranches, Morales Feed & Supply carries a full range of feeds from proven, reputable brands. Their selection is tailored to South Texas environments, ensuring animals receive the nutrition required to thrive in the region’s demanding climate. Customers appreciate that the team offers real-world guidance on feeding programs, protein levels, and seasonal needs—something hard to find at big-box stores.

South Texas’ Source for Quality Seed

Whether planting wildlife plots, restoring pastures, or improving soil health, Morales Feed & Supply provides high-quality seed blends that perform well in local soils. This includes popular options like Green Cover Seed, known for boosting soil structure, moisture retention, and forage production. Morales helps growers choose the right mix for their acreage, rainfall, and goals—an advantage only a local, experienced supplier can offer.

Family-Owned Service You Can Trust

What truly sets Morales Feed & Supply apart is the customer experience. The team knows their customers by name, understands local challenges, and offers practical advice tailored to ranching and farming in South Texas. From loading feed to helping plan planting schedules, they believe in treating every customer like a neighbor.

The Benefits of Green Cover Seed for South Texas Growers

For South Texas growers, ranchers, and wildlife managers, improving soil health is one of the most reliable ways to increase long-term productivity. That’s why Green Cover Seed has quickly become a top choice at Morales Feed & Supply. Whether you’re managing a small homestead plot, a large row-crop operation, or a mixed-use ranch, Green Cover Seed delivers real, measurable results that can be seen above and below the soil line.

Improved Soil Health & Structure

Green Cover Seed blends are designed to build healthier soil from the ground up. Their diverse cover crop mixes promote better soil aggregation, increased microbial activity, and long-term organic matter development. In the tough, clay-dominant soils common across South Texas, these improvements translate to easier tillage, stronger root systems, and healthier crops year after year.

Increased Water Retention

Drought pressure is a reality for growers in this region—and one of the biggest reasons locals turn to Green Cover. Their mixes help increase water infiltration and reduce runoff, allowing the soil to store more moisture during dry spells. That means less stress on crops, more resilience during Texas heat waves, and more efficient use of every inch of rainfall.

Weed Suppression & Reduced Input Costs

A well-established cover crop canopy naturally shades out competitive weeds, saving you time and money on herbicide applications. Many South Texas customers at Morales Feed & Supply report significant reductions in chemical inputs after just one or two seasons of consistent cover crop management.

Better Forage for Livestock & Wildlife

From cattle operations to wildlife food plots, Green Cover blends provide nutrient-rich forage that boosts herd health and attracts game. Many mixes are tailored for protein development, soil rebuilding, and season-long grazing—ideal for ranchers looking to maximize acreage efficiency.

Local Support from Morales Feed & Supply

Choosing Green Cover Seed at Morales Feed & Supply means you’re not just buying seed – you’re backed by a local team that understands South Texas soils, seasons, and growing challenges. The Morales team can help you choose the right mix, planting rate, and timing for your land and goals.

Quail Season in South Texas: Tradition, Preparation, and Conservation

Few experiences capture the spirit of South Texas quite like a good quail hunt. As the cooler months settle in and the brush country turns golden, hunters from across the state and beyond head south to chase coveys of bobwhite and scaled quail across the mesquite flats and rolling pastures. The excitement, the camaraderie, and the skill of working bird dogs through the thick cover make quail season a beloved tradition that defines the region’s outdoor culture.

Prime Conditions for South Texas Quail

The unique blend of rangeland, native grasses, and brushy cover in South Texas creates ideal habitat for quail. Rainfall patterns and habitat management play a huge role in bird populations each year. In wetter seasons, native forbs and seeds flourish, offering excellent nutrition and cover. Landowners who supplement with quail feed and native seed mixes can help sustain stronger coveys through drier spells.

Stock game bird feeds, milo, and wildlife seed blends that support healthy populations and improve hunting opportunities year after year at Morales Feed and Supply. 

Preparing for a Successful Season

For hunters, preparation means more than oiling up the shotgun. It’s about ensuring your dogs are conditioned, checking gear, and scouting productive ground. Many local hunters rely on us at Morales Feed and Supply  for essentials. Maintaining good relationships with local landowners and understanding conservation practices is just as important as a steady aim.

Conservation Through Community

South Texas quail hunting thrives because of the people who care for the land. Landowners, hunters, and conservation organizations work together to balance sustainable harvests with long-term habitat improvement. Supporting local wildlife programs helps keep this proud tradition alive for future generations.

This quail season, take time to enjoy the hunt, respect the land, and celebrate everything that makes South Texas a world-class destination for upland hunting.

Fall Planting Tips for South Texas Farms: Setting Up for a Strong Season

As summer heat fades and cooler mornings roll in, South Texas farmers know it’s time to get the ground ready. Fall planting sets the tone for a productive growing season, whether you’re managing pastureland, growing small grains, or improving soil health through cover crops. The right timing, seed selection, and soil preparation can make all the difference in your harvest come spring.

Choosing the Right Fall Crops

South Texas’ mild fall and winter climate provides excellent opportunities for cool-season planting. Popular options include ryegrass, oats, wheat, and clover, all of which establish well in early fall and help provide forage and ground cover through the cooler months.

Producers focused on livestock often plant winter forages that maintain quality grazing while protecting soil from erosion. At Morales Feed and Supply, we offer custom seed blends tailored to South Texas soils – from sandy loam to clay – ensuring optimal germination and nutrient use.

Soil Preparation and Fertility

Before planting, it’s critical to start with a soil test. Knowing your soil’s pH and nutrient levels helps determine the right fertilizer and lime application. Fall is also a great time to incorporate organic matter, compost, or soil amendments to build structure and retain moisture.

Products like Holganix or other soil health boosters can help jump-start microbial activity, improving root development and long-term fertility. Moisture conservation is especially important across South Texas, where fall rains can be unpredictable.

The Benefits of Cover Crops

Adding cover crops to your rotation improves soil health, increases nitrogen, and supports erosion control. Legumes like crimson clover and vetch work well in South Texas conditions, while cereal rye and triticale add biomass and suppress weeds. These mixes keep your land productive year-round and set up spring crops for success.

Plan Ahead, Plant Smart

Fall planting isn’t just about what goes in the ground — it’s about planning for the seasons ahead. Visit us at Morales Feed and Supply for seed, fertilizer, and expert advice on setting your fields up for a strong season from the ground up.

Transitioning Your South Texas Farm to Fall with Morales Feed & Supply

Fall in South Texas brings cooler mornings, shorter days, and the perfect opportunity for farmers and ranchers to reset for the season ahead. At Morales Feed & Supply, we’re here to make sure your transition from summer to fall is seamless—whether you’re managing crops, caring for livestock, or preparing your land for winter.

Stock Up on Fresh Hay and Bedding

As pastures recover from summer heat, fresh hay becomes a must for keeping livestock healthy and well-fed. Morales Feed & Supply delivers premium hay straight to your property—nutrient-rich, fresh, and stored properly to maintain quality. We also offer high-absorbency bedding to keep barns clean, dry, and comfortable for your animals during cool fall nights.

Fall Feed for Healthy Livestock

Changing seasons often mean adjusting feeding programs. Our shelves are stocked with top-quality livestock feeds—from protein-packed cattle cubes to goat and sheep blends—designed to match your herd’s nutritional needs as grazing patterns shift. We’ll help you choose the right feed to keep weight, health, and productivity at their peak.

Seeds for Cool-Season Success

Fall in South Texas is ideal for planting ryegrass, oats, and other cool-season forages. Morales Feed & Supply offers high-germination seeds to improve pasture quality, boost forage availability, and reduce feed costs later in the season.

Supplies That Make the Transition Easier

From mineral supplements to fencing materials, we carry the essential supplies every South Texas farm needs this time of year. And with our convenient delivery service, you can focus on working your land while we handle the logistics.

Why Choose Morales Feed & Supply This Fall?

  • Local Expertise – We know South Texas soil, weather, and livestock needs.

  • Quality Products – Trusted brands and fresh supplies every season.

  • Reliable Delivery – From Devine to Freer, we bring it right to you.

The fall transition is one of the most important times of the year for South Texas farmers. With Morales Feed & Supply as your partner, you’ll have the hay, feed, seed, and supplies you need to make the season a success—keeping your animals healthy, your pastures productive, and your operation running smoothly.

Exceptional Hay & Bedding Solutions from Morales Feed & Supply

When your animals’ comfort and nutrition are top priorities, Morales Feed & Supply has your back. They offer expertly sourced hay and high-quality bedding – delivered right to your farm or ranch – to keep your livestock healthy, comfortable, and well cared for.

What Sets Our Hay Apart

Morales delivers hay that’s not just bale after bale – it’s about fresh, high-nutrient forage that meets your animals’ specific needs. Whether it’s cows, horses, goats, or sheep, their hay is properly baled and stored to maintain its quality throughout delivery and use. This means better animal health, improved weight gain, and overall performance you can rely on.

Bedding That Covers All the Bases

Beyond hay, Morales provides top-quality bedding options to create a clean, safe, and cozy living space for your animals. Their bedding selection ensures moisture absorption, comfort, and ease of cleaning – helping reduce disease risk and maintain a hygienic environment.

Convenient, Reliable Delivery

The standout advantage? Morales brings the hay and bedding to you. Serving areas from Devine to Freer and beyond, their delivery service stacks bales where you need them and unloads with care. This saves precious time, protects your supplies, and ensures your animals get what they need – when they need it.

Why Morales Feed & Supply is Your Go-To Choice

  • Premium Quality: Nutrient-rich, fresh hay plus durable, absorbent bedding tailored for livestock wellness.

  • Tailored Service: From consultation to delivery, they handle the details so your animals stay well cared for even when you’re busy.

  • Veteran Support: With roots going back to 1981, Morales holds decades of expertise serving South Texas ranchers and farmers.

Boost Livestock Health and Comfort

By choosing Morales Feed & Supply for your hay and bedding needs, you’re investing in comfort, cleanliness, and animal performance. Their timely delivery and high standards for quality help ensure your livestock thrive – so you can focus on the bigger picture of land and herd management.

Trust Morales to deliver not just supplies, but peace of mind – for healthy, happy livestock and smoother ranch operations.