Top Crop | Season 3

What happens when everything’s on the line—and your combine breaks down? Dan Luepkes walks us through the realities of farm life, from a major equipment failure in the middle of the season to managing wheat, cattle, and row crops under pressure. We start in the wheat fields with a look at cattle feed strategies as bulls go head-to-head, then hear from Dan’s agronomist, Brad, on what really drives profitability in wheat. Finally, Dan takes us into the corn and bean fields for an in-depth look at crop progress and the management decisions shaping this season.

Cory Atley gives management and crop health updates on corn and beans. Hedrick visits the bottom of the barrel field and checks both his bean and corn crops while laying out detailed management and nutrient plans for an increased ROI.

Some crops require a bit more capital and management to produce. Brandon Batton of North Carolina gives us a quick look at his tobacco fields and gives us an inside scoop on what it takes to produce tobacco. Perry Galloway gives a detailed look at cotton and what it takes to stay profitable.

Drone applications take center stage as Russell kicks things off in the cornfields, breaking down management strategies and inspecting developing ears alongside a special guest from AgVenture. Shelby Mann shares her hands-on approach to crop care, including an unconventional apple cider vinegar strategy, before we head to the sunflower field to hear generational insight from her mom. Plus, Russell sits down with another guest to explore a new solution for keeping deer out of the fields—before the damage begins.

What does it take to finish the season strong? Shelby hits the fields with AgXplore experts Gunther and John to assess crop health in corn and beans, while Kassie Tom gives us a behind-the-scenes look at sweet corn production at Tom Farms. Plus, AG Ambassador Kip Tom shares how aerial applications are playing a key role in protecting yields from above.

What’s powering this farm from the ground—and what’s flying above it? This jam-packed episode takes you inside the Atley farm’s mixing station, where trucks keep airplanes loaded for critical nutrient and fungicide passes on corn and beans. Meanwhile, Luepkes is fired up about some “new toys” on the farm—but you’ll have to see them for yourself. It’s a full look at crop management from every angle—ground and sky.

What’s really at stake for the future of American agriculture? We spend time with Kip Tom as he shares powerful insight on the state of the ag industry, including global pressures and the importance of securing our food, fiber, and energy systems. Along the way, we visit with his sister Melissa Gerber as she checks cattle and highlights a meaningful program connecting kids to agriculture. From the farm to the global stage, this episode dives into what it takes to protect the future of farming.

What’s actually paying the bills this season? Perry Galloway is joined by Bill of AgXplore and Tommy of FishHead as they break down rice and cotton harvest, highlighting what’s working—and what’s driving profitability. Plus, we take a rare behind-the-scenes trip inside a cotton gin running at full capacity. From field to processing, this is a must-see look at the business of harvest.

What does a full farming operation in Kentucky really look like? Billy Carter of AgXplore gives us a firsthand tour of Carter Farms, breaking down how he manages row crops while also running sheep, horses, and multiple types of cattle. From field strategy to livestock management, this episode offers a complete look at the systems and decisions behind a diverse operation—all set against the backdrop of Kentucky agriculture.

As harvest rolls on, Cory Atley takes a hard look at how the season actually turned out. From pulling in corn to reviewing what worked—and what didn’t—this episode delivers real insight from the field. With AgXplore on-site and a look into the logistics behind the operation, it’s a full breakdown of the decisions, results, and lessons shaping the season.

Shelby Mann takes us into the fast-paced world of harvest, sharing what it’s like to bring in crops during one of the most important times of the season. From the cab to the field, we get a firsthand look at the hard work, timing, and decisions that define harvest on her operation.

In the season finale of Top Crop, Russell Hedrick takes us through the final stages of harvest while reflecting on the strategies, risks, and wins that defined the season. It’s a powerful close to the journey—where innovation meets real-world results.