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.

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.

Challenges Facing South Texas Farmers

South Texas farmers face a range of challenges – nutrient-depleted soils, intense heat, and inconsistent rainfall. That’s why we are turning to Holganix, a revolutionary line of plant probiotics and bio-nutritional products designed to restore soil biology, improve crop resilience, and reduce the need for synthetic inputs.

Learn how we are striving for better soil at Morales Hay Feed and Seed.

How Holganix Works

Holganix works by introducing beneficial microbes into the soil, kickstarting natural processes that build up organic matter and boost nutrient cycling. For South Texas soil – often low in organic content and exposed to heavy agricultural use, this biological approach brings rapid, visible improvements. The soil becomes more active, with better structure, deeper root growth, and greater microbial diversity.

Boosting Drought Tolerance

One of the standout benefits of Holganix in South Texas is increased drought tolerance. In a region known for hot summers and limited rainfall, Holganix helps plants develop stronger roots, allowing them to access water deeper in the soil profile. This results in healthier crops even during dry spells – something we strive for in South Texas.

Supporting Sustainable Farming Practices

Holganix also supports sustainable farming practices. By enhancing soil biology, farmers can cut back on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. This not only saves money but reduces the chemical load on the land and nearby water sources. In South Texas, where conservation and longevity matter, that’s a big win for both the environment and the farm’s bottom line.

Proven Results Across South Texas Operations

From cotton fields and citrus orchards to row crops and pastures, Holganix products are proving effective across a wide variety of South Texas operations. Many farmers report higher yields, improved crop quality, and better soil performance season after season.

A Tool for Regenerative Agriculture

In addition, Holganix helps farms transition toward regenerative practices. When paired with techniques like no-till farming or cover cropping, its benefits multiply – creating a truly healthy soil ecosystem that supports long-term agricultural success.

The Future of Soil Health in South Texas

Holganix offers South Texas farms a natural, science-backed way to rebuild soil health, reduce inputs, and increase resilience. As soil challenges grow in intensity, products like Holganix provide a sustainable, profitable path forward for hardworking Texas farms ready to restore their land from the ground up.