Kelly Brandlee

Kelly Brandlee grew up on a farm near Salem, South Dakota, where agriculture became a cornerstone of her life at an early age. Active in 4-H and FFA, she earned a degree in Communications and Advertising from South Dakota State University and began a career focused on connecting agriculture with consumers and rural communities.

Throughout her career, Kelly has worked with South Dakota's livestock and soybean industries, supported farm families through Ag United for South Dakota, served in community relations for a dairy farm, and gained experience with a local electric cooperative. Today, she farms with her husband, Clint, and his family near Pierpont, raising Simmental/Angus cattle, crops, and horses. Together they also operate Back Forty Beef and a seasonal corn maze and adventure farm.

In addition to farming, Kelly owns a communications business providing freelance support to organizations seeking to strengthen their communications. She serves as President of the Malchow Plaza Farmers Market in Aberdeen and is a Class VII graduate of the South Dakota Ag and Rural Leadership (SDARL) program. Kelly is passionate about supporting agriculture, strengthening rural communities, and helping build a strong future for the next generation.