Special Feature: Troy Swift - Pecans, Jet Engine Blades, Bats and Regenerative Agriculture

A graduate of Southwest Texas State University with a B.S. in Industrial Arts (1982), Troy Swift began his professional career in composite canoe and kayak manufacturing and repair, as well as aluminum and steel welding, instruction, and guiding. He later joined CFAN, a manufacturer of composite jet engine parts for GE engines, where he served from 1990 to 2016, ultimately holding the position of Manufacturing Manager. During this time, he achieved 6 Sigma Supplier Blackbelt (statistics and problem solving) and trained in Lean Manufacturing. In parallel with his industrial career, Troy developed a deep involvement in pecan farming. Since acquiring and developing 266 combined acres along the San Marcos River in 1998 and 2004, he has planted over 1,000 irrigated pecan trees now in full production. He has operated a custom pecan harvesting business since 2000 and runs a pecan lumber sawmill and kiln operation established in 2011. His commitment to quality and innovation has earned him state championships in the Texas Pecan Show (2018 and 2022). A recognized leader in the pecan industry, Troy has served as President of both the Texas Pecan Growers Association and the Texas Pecan Board. He is also a board member of Merlin Tuttle’s Bat Conservation, where he is involved in research using DNA analysis of bat guano to study natural pest control in pecan orchards. He has been an avid participant in Texas Pecan Shows since 2013, and the State Champion in commercial pecans in 2018 and 2022. He has been involved in pecan lumber sawmill and kiln operation since 2011 and is a regenerative agriculture and associated science advocate/student. He has a continuous improvement attitude: if you’re standing still- you’re getting passed up. Continuous improvement is necessary for all industry (including the pecan industry). We must explore new business models and technologies to stay ahead of the competition and meet customer expectations. We must find more cost-effective environmentally favorable farming techniques, produce more nutritious foods, and develop better food safety and employee safety techniques to stay in business. Currently in 6 year regenerative agriculture study conducted by the Noble Research Institute. Website: https://www.swiftriverpecans.com/abou...