Experiments were conducted at Clemson University's Pee Dee Research and Education Centre in Florence, SC, in 1991 and 1992 seasons to determine N requirements of a NF genotype under different topping regimes, particularly with raised swath and high topping treatments. The N rates examined were [recommended, recommended plus 22 units, recommended plus 45 units N/ha] and topping heights [20 (recommended), 24, or 28 leaves, or 20/24 leaves (raised swath topped at 24, but four bottom leaves removed)] for a NF genotype, compared with a DN cultivar with recommended management. Crop value, price index and grade index were generally higher in 1992 than in 1991 growing season. Yield and crop value were significantly less for NC 37 NF-20 or NC 37 NF-20/24 compared with NK 326, and the highest topping treatment (NC 37 NF-28) in 1991. Price index and grade index differed significantly among N rates. The R rate of N gave higher price index than R + 45 kg/ha N. NK 326-20 and NC 37 NF-20/24 treatments had higher price index than all other NC 37 NF topping treatments. Whereas grade index was similar for all NC 37 NF topping treatments; but significantly lower compared to NK 326-20. NK 326 had lower total alkaloid concentration than NC 37 NF-20; but had the highest reducing sugar concentration compared to all NC 37 NF topping treatments in 1991 at R rate of N. In 1992, reducing sugar concentration was the same for NK 326-20 and all NC 37 topping treatments (except NC 37 NF-20 which had the least levels). None of the topping treatments had acceptable reducing sugar to total alkaloid ratios in 1991 or 1992. Reducing sugar to total alkaloid ratios were much below the desired range at all N rates and decreased with additional N fertilizer.