Series

Harvest

The Nelson brothers are on a mission to become the largest farmers in the US, but after two years of poor harvests, the new year brings as much opportunity as uncertainty. This season, the brothers must work together as they farm more land than ever, facing the headwinds of climate change, equipment failures, and familial tension along the way.

Our story begins in the midst of the Nelson’s 2023 harvest. It’s been a tough year: drought has decimated their soybean crop; repeated equipment breakdowns have led to countless setbacks, including time delays and costly repairs; a funder who promised a loan has ghosted; land that the brothers hoped to lease was given to another farmer; and the brothers do not have the funds to adequately prepare the acreage they do have should 2024 unfold as badly as 2023.

Bo and Courtney work diligently on repairs, Shun travels the country advocating for the family, and Adrain operates multiple businesses to give his family a fighting chance at economic success. But even the Nelson’s best efforts may not be enough to overcome the realities and challenges of farming. 2023 represents the second year of poor harvests, and while the Nelsons cannot predict what may come, they know one thing is certain – they cannot afford a third.

As 2024 begins, the Nelsons receive unexpected news – the school board will lease them 1,200 acres, giving them the opportunity to farm more land than they’ve ever had. That said, with climate change, equipment failures, rising crop costs, threats of flooding and drought, and omnipresent brotherly tension, the brothers must find a way to push through it all. The coming year will be make or break for the Nelson brothers. Will their determination and passion for farming pull them through these challenges, or will their ambition backfire?

Film Topics Include:

  • Natalie Baszile

    Director

  • Hyacinth Parker

    Director

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