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 developed a deep appreciation for farming and rural communities, which led her to earn a degree in Communications and Advertising from South Dakota State University.

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Kelly spent the first decade of her career working for South Dakota's state livestock coalition and soybean farmers, helping connect farmers and consumers through outreach, education, and events. During her time with Ag United for South Dakota, she supported farm families as they navigated growth and expansion. She later joined a dairy farm, where she spent more than five years in community relations and supporting the manure management team. Kelly also gained experience working with a local electric cooperative.
 

Kelly married her husband, Clint, in 2017 and has been a resident of Day County since. Today, Kelly farms alongside  Clint, his parents, and their two daughters near Pierpont, South Dakota. Together, they raise Simmental/Angus cattle, crops, and have a few horses. The Brandlees also operate Back Forty Beef, selling their USDA-inspected, homegrown beef and tallow products directly to consumers. In recent years, they have expanded into agritourism, welcoming visitors each fall to their 12-acre corn maze and adventure farm.

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In addition to the farm, Kelly operates a small communications business, providing freelance support to organizations looking to strengthen their communications efforts. She currently 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.

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Kelly is passionate about supporting agriculture, strengthening rural communities, and helping ensure a strong future for the next generation in Day County.