From Soil to Success at Swift River Pecans

Meet Troy Swift, a first-generation farmer operating Swift River Pecans and the president of the Texas Pecan Growers Association. Troy shares his experiences entering the pecan farming business in 1998, the benefits of regenerative agriculture, and his passion for soil health. He discusses functions like systemic acquired resistance (SAR), the use of beneficial insects, birds, and bats, and innovative methods to enhance tree and soil health. Troy also explains his diversified farming operations, emphasizing the importance of vertical integration and sustainable practices. This Soil Sisters' chat with Troy is rich with practical insights, making it a must-listen no matter what you're farming.TIME STAMPS:00:00 Welcome to Soil Sisters Podcast00:29 Introducing Troy Swift and Swift River Pecans01:31 Troy's Journey into Pecan Farming03:16 The Lifespan and History of Pecan Trees04:57 Challenges and Adaptations in Pecan Farming06:51 Embracing Regenerative Agriculture at Swift River Pecans15:59 Innovative Pest Management Techniques for Pecan Scab Fungus24:38 The Role of Bats in Agriculture26:00 Merlin Tuttle's Bat Conservation32:04 Success with Bat Houses33:45 Exploring Soil Health36:24 Water: The Most Limiting Nutrient38:42 Regenerative Agriculture Techniques45:02 Diversifying the Pecan Business50:41 Advice for New Pecan Farmers55:13 The Importance of Continuous Learning 💚 MEET & SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS 💚✨ Tejas Tonic - The official beverage of the TX Soil Sisters ✨Serving up creative spirits for creative spirits. The hemp for this blissful bevvy is organically farmed in the Texas Hill Country. Enjoy 15% off Tejas Tonic w/ code: SISTERS. | Socialize with @drinktejastonic on IG.⚡️ B&P Electric - 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. | Socialize with @b_pelectric on IG🔥 FireHawk Bioherbicide - FireHawk 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.---------------------------------Engage with TX Soil Sisters on IG: @soilsisterspodcast and on X: @TXSoilSistersSubmit Guest or Show Ideas and Sponsorship Inquiries: txsoilsisters.co Ways to Support The Soil Sisters PodcastIf you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode with a friend interested in regenerative agriculture, ranching, local food systems, or starting their own farm journey.Your support helps us continue bringing real stories and practical lessons from the people regenerating land and communities across the country. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.