Small Producers Spotlight: Southern Sunny Acres

In this episode, the Soil Sisters connect with Ty and Tokie Morgan of Southern Sunny Acres, a veteran-owned family farm in East Texas producing pasture-raised chicken, eggs, and lamb. Starting with just 50 broiler chickens in 2021, they've grown their direct-to-consumer operation by focusing on regenerative practices, serving their local community, and making thoughtful business decisions along the way. Ty and Tokie share the honest lessons they've learned while scaling a farm business—from managing freezer capacity and cash flow to reducing input costs through "no-icide" farming and improving efficiency with better systems. They discuss the challenges of growing a farm before it reaches profitability, the importance of tracking metrics, and the mindset shifts required to build a sustainable operation. They also talk about running a farm as a married couple, including how they divide responsibilities, communicate through challenges, and protect their relationship as they build a business together. The conversation previews their upcoming keynote at the Southern Family Farmers & Food Systems Conference happening on August 3-4, in San Marcos, TX. Whether you're starting a farm, expanding a direct-to-consumer business, or looking for real-world lessons in regenerative agriculture and farm entrepreneurship, this episode offers an honest look at the work it takes to build a successful farm. MEET OUR GUESTS: Ty & Tokie Morgan | Southern Sunny Acres Farm | @southernsunnyacres FIND DETAILS FOR THE SOUTHERN FAMILY FARMERS & FOOD SYSTEMS CONFERENCE ON AUG. 3-4, 2026: https://www.southernfamilyfarmersconference.org/ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 – Soil Sisters Welcome 00:30 – Meet Southern Sunny Acres 02:38 – Why Ty & Tokie Started Farming 04:13 – Scaling the Farm 05:46 – Building a Direct-to-Consumer Business 08:10 – Expanding Their Market 10:18 – The 'Profit First' Mindset 13:22 – Efficiency Improvements That Increase Profit 17:09 – Regenerative "No-icide" Farming 19:31 – Farming, Marriage & Business 27:42 – Southern Family Farmers & Food Systems Conference (SFFFS) 29:46 – Building a Regenerative Farming Community 36:51 – Agricultural Grants 43:11 – Why Asking for Help Matters 46:21 – Creating a Sustainable Farm Income 48:40 – SFFFS Conference Details and Ticket Information 49:48 – Closing   💚 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 | X: @TXSoilSisters | FB: @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.