Category: Agriculture

Healthy wildlife populations are the result of intentional management. In South Texas, strategic feeding programs support whitetail deer, quail, and other game species while improving habitat quality year-round.

Nutritional Needs of Wildlife

Protein is critical for antler development, muscle growth, and reproduction. Supplemental feeds help bridge nutritional gaps when native forage is stressed by heat or drought.

Choosing the Right Feed

Not all wildlife feed is created equal. High-protein pellets, properly timed corn supplementation, and mineral access improve herd health without disrupting natural movement patterns.

Food Plots & Habitat Support

Seed blends adapted to South Texas soil and rainfall provide long-term forage benefits. Combining feeding with habitat management—such as water access and brush control—creates balanced ecosystems.

Ethical & Effective Feeding

Overfeeding or poor placement can cause dependency or habitat damage. Strategic placement and proper quantities ensure wildlife benefit without negative impact.

Conclusion

Wildlife feeding done correctly improves herd quality, hunting opportunities, and land stewardship. Local feed suppliers like Morales Feed & Supply offer wildlife feed, seed blends, and regional insight tailored specifically to South Texas conditions, helping landowners make informed, responsible management decisions.

While online retailers and big-box stores offer convenience, they often lack one critical component: local expertise. A local feed store in South Texas provides personalized service, region-specific products, and real-world knowledge that directly benefits producers.

Region-Specific Knowledge

South Texas soil types, forage availability, and weather patterns require customized nutrition. Local feed stores understand these variables and recommend feeds, minerals, and seed blends proven to work in the region—not generic national formulas.

Personalized Service

Local feed stores build relationships. Staff members recognize your operation, remember past purchases, and offer advice based on your goals. This level of service simply doesn’t exist with online ordering.

Reliable Inventory & Delivery

During droughts or cold snaps, supply matters. Local stores maintain dependable inventory and delivery options when timing is critical. Whether it’s bulk feed, hay, or wildlife nutrition, reliability protects your bottom line.

Supporting the Local Economy

Shopping locally strengthens rural communities. Supporting local feed stores helps keep agricultural knowledge, jobs, and services available for future generations.

Conclusion

Morales Feed & Supply isn’t just a supplier—it’s a partner in your success. When nutrition decisions matter, local experience makes a measurable difference.

Seasonal feeding in South Texas isn’t optional—it’s essential. Extreme heat, unpredictable rainfall, and fluctuating forage quality mean livestock nutrition must adjust throughout the year. Implementing smart, seasonal feeding strategies helps producers maintain herd health, improve performance, and reduce long-term costs.

Understanding South Texas Conditions

South Texas ranches face prolonged heat, limited rainfall, and nutrient-poor native forage. These conditions increase stress on cattle, sheep, goats, and horses, making targeted supplementation critical. Relying on a single feeding plan year-round often leads to weight loss, lower fertility, and poor immune response.

Spring & Summer Feeding

During warmer months, livestock expend more energy managing heat stress. Feeds higher in digestible energy and balanced minerals help maintain body condition. Electrolyte support, consistent access to clean water, and minerals formulated for heat stress are key. Protein levels should support growth without increasing metabolic heat.

Fall & Winter Adjustments

As forage quality declines, protein supplementation becomes more important. Fall feeding supports breeding success and prepares animals for winter stress. In colder months, increased energy intake helps livestock maintain body temperature and body condition, especially during cold fronts common in South Texas.

Avoiding Common Feeding Mistakes

Sudden feed changes, inconsistent delivery, and ignoring mineral deficiencies are common issues. Gradual transitions and region-specific products prevent digestive upset and improve feed efficiency.

Conclusion

Seasonal feeding strategies tailored to South Texas conditions protect herd health year-round. Working with Morales Hay Feed & Seed ensures access to products and knowledge designed specifically for regional challenges.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.