The farm’s roots trace back to 1960, when the family’s grandparents lost their land in Mississippi and moved to Louisiana in search of opportunity. After six years of sharecropping, they purchased about 60 acres of farmland—laying the foundation for the legacy that continues today.

Over time, the family steadily grew their operation, expanding to more than 240 acres, including land from the Henderson Project—an initiative that allocated land to formerly enslaved people in the United States.

“Growing up, our farm was the biggest one I’d ever seen,” said Bo Nelson, the oldest brother.

A Legacy of Perseverance

Keeping the land was not easy. Like many farmers, the Nelson family faced challenges accessing the funding and resources needed to grow and sustain their operation each season. Through it all, Willie Nelson Sr. remained committed to preserving the family’s farmland and building a future for his sons. He knew renting land was not enough—they needed to own it.

Farming became an all-hands-on-deck effort. Bo began riding tractors with his older cousin in elementary school, learning the family’s way of farming. His younger brothers—Shun, Courtney, and Adrain—joined in soon after.

Although the brothers didn’t go into the family business immediately, things changed in 2016. Together, they pooled their resources to purchase an additional 40 acres. Soon after, the school board listed 640 acres of farmland for rent, and the brothers combined their funds to secure it.

“We decided to keep the work going. We knew it mattered to keep our dad’s legacy alive,” said Courtney Nelson.

Today, the family owns and leases around 4,000 acres of farmland across Louisiana—and they don’t plan to stop there. Their long-term goal is for each brother to own around 10,000 acres. They also hope to offer low-cost land opportunities to new Black farmers just starting out.

“As farmers, we have to come together. We know it’s important to open up opportunities for more young Black farmers in Louisiana and across the nation,” said Courtney Nelson.

The family already supports new farmers by hosting Field Days, teaching the basics of farming, and helping local growers build community and learn from one another.