GrainsWest Fall 2020

Fall 2020 Grains West 18 PERSON PLACE & THING Kelly and her family: Husband Mathieu, son Copeland (left) and Jennings. What was really concerning to me is how some people didn’t even want to have a dialogue about it. I thought, if I were to create something using my marketing skills and ag background, could I help make a difference? That’s where High Heels and Canola Fields started. GW: Whether you intended it or not, you are an influencer people pay at- tention to. How do you decide what to share and how to deal with the negative feedback that can come with being a public figure? LK: When I started to blog and a few of those posts went viral, there’s so much pressure and you’re in the spotlight. I’ve received aggressive comments and backlash when I’ve spoken up about hot topics like climate change and supporting animal agriculture. This has come mainly from outside of the industry. I’ve had to unpublish my Facebook page for a day because of all the negative comments and even threats. I have also received some backlash within agriculture when talking also about taboo topics like mental health and being a woman in agriculture and facing sexism. It’s been a huge learning experience and growth opportunity for me, and all I’ve ever wanted was for it to be good for agriculture. I want to be inclusive, con- nect people and share perspectives. I also want to share the fun moments and make people smile and I know that helps. What I’ve learned is I can’t claim to be an expert. I’m more interested in sharing a new perspective. I always follow my gut. If it’s a conversation people are having behind closed doors, it’s worth bringing it up. GW: You also used your platform to help launch the Do More Ag initiative in support of farmer mental health. What spurred that on? LK: My husband and our family went through some really hard times and we learned people are often living in silence when it comes to mental health. We really felt by sharing our story we could hopefully help people with their mental health. We didn’t know how much of an impact it would have. We shared our stories and started a conversation on mental health just saying, ‘hey, it’s OK to not be OK,’ and ‘you’re not alone.’ When our family tried to find resources we found it was difficult and you had to keep digging. Being in a rural community, it can be more difficult. We wanted to help producers with resources and connections. GW: Why did you decide to run for the role of SaskWheat director? LK: I always thought by being involved on the board of an agriculture associa- tion, I could learn what goes on behind the scenes of advocating for agriculture, as well as policy and research initiatives. It wasn’t until Alanna Koch [chair of the Global Institute for Food Security] called me up one night and told me, ‘I really think you have a very unique portfolio that agriculture could use.’ I was con- cerned about not having a degree in ag. While I help out on the farm in busy seasons, I’m not involved in the day-to-day farming. I’m more in the office. Getting her perspective that boards are really great when they’re diverse in gender, backgrounds and experiences helped me realize I can really help out SaskWheat. GW: You have your blog, podcast and social media activity, you work on the farm, you work with the Do More Agriculture Foundation and the SaskWheat board and you’re a parent. How do you do it? LK: I’ve learned the hard way you have to set boundaries and know you can’t do it all at once. Some days are going to be just about the farm and I don’t even look at my email. Other days are just about the family. I’m focusing on the things I’m passionate about and I’m lucky enough to have an immense support team through family, friends and the ag community. I wouldn’t be able to do what I do without them.