Four brothers. One farm. A season that could change everything.
Sondheimer, Louisiana. Population 200.
Tucked in the north east corner of the state, this rural enclave is home to the Nelson Brothers - four young, ambitious, fourth-generation commodity farmers who dream of being the biggest farmers in the United States.
We begin in the midst of their fall harvest. It’s been a tough year: drought has decimated the soybean crop; equipment breakdowns have led to countless setbacks; and the brothers don’t have enough money to prepare their land should the new year unfold as badly as this one. This harvest represents the second year of poor returns, and as neighboring farms shutter around them, the Nelsons know they cannot afford a third.
As the new year begins, the Nelsons receive unexpected news - the school board will lease them 1,200 acres. The new land, in addition to their existing 2,800 acres, means the brothers will farm more land than they’ve ever had. But with climate change, equipment failures, rising costs, biblical flooding, and brotherly tension, the Nelsons must find a way to push through. This year will be make or break for the Nelson brothers.
Will their determination and passion pull them through, or will their ambition backfire?
The Nelson Brothers
Willie Nelson Jr “Bo”
Bo is a classic big brother. As the oldest boy, Bo is the peacemaker, always mediating when his brothers have disagreements. That said, Bo isn’t afraid to confront his siblings when they’re not doing their fair share. Bo lives by the mantra “If we fall, we fall together. If we rise, we rise together.” He has dedicated his life to farming, but is willing to give it all up if it means saving his family.
Willis Nelson “Shun”
Shun is the family politician. As the Chairman of the National Black Growers Council, Shun travels the country, advocating for his family and other Black farmers. Shun always says “You gotta grow your network to grow your net worth.” And Shun is committed to his family’s success, determined to give them more than what he had.
Courtney Nelson “Chops”
Courtney is the family jokester. Appearing shy and reserved at first, Courtney quickly opens up, and he’s always ready to rib his brothers - especially Adrain. The first on the farm and the last to leave, he is a jack of all trades, working as the family mechanic, tractor driver, combine operator, and lunch delivery-guy; he has aptly deemed himself the Field Producer.
Adrain Nelson “A-Earl”
Adrain is the entrepreneur. He has a global mindset and a competitive edge that comes from being the baby of the family. Adrian was the one who suggested his brother start farming together, and is always looking for ways for his family to get ahead. He has started multiple businesses as a result. While his brothers respect Adrain’s ambition, they are often scolding him for shirking his farming duties as he handles his other responsibilities.