29. Lesley Kelly on Mental Health, Family Farming, and Building High Heels & Canola Fields

Lesley Kelly shares her journey through mental health challenges, founding Do More Ag, and building a personal brand that bridges rural life and advocacy.On this episode of Your Ag Empire, we welcome Lesley Kelly—a farmer, entrepreneur, mental health advocate, and the voice behind High Heels & Canola Fields. Lesley shares her deeply personal story of overcoming anxiety and postpartum depression, how it led to co-founding the Do More Ag Foundation, and why she believes talking openly about mental health is critical in farming communities.Lesley also discusses her transition into leadership after the loss of her father, the challenges of balancing motherhood, business, and grief, and how she’s shaping the future of agriculture for her children. Plus, we dive into how she built partnerships with major brands like Ford and McDonald’s and why mentorship is now a key part of her mission.In this episode, we cover:The mental health crisis in agriculture and why it’s different for rural communities.How Lesley and her husband navigated debilitating anxiety and postpartum depression.Founding the Do More Ag Foundation to provide real mental health resources for farmers.Building the High Heels & Canola Fields brand and turning advocacy into action.The power of mentorship and helping the next generation of ag influencers.How grief shaped her leadership role on the family farm.Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode. Connect with Lesley:Follow on Instagram @highheelsandcanolafieldsFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on XCheck out her websiteConnect with Your Ag Empire:Follow on Instagram @youragempireFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeFollow on LinkedInFollow on TikTokCheck out our websiteResources & Links:Website: Do More Ag Foundation24/7 Peer Support: AgTalk through Do More AgLearn more about the Elite Mastermind and how to become a memberProtect your livestock investment with Empire Ag’s risk management solutionsJoin The Dirt email subscription Book Jonathon as your next speaker