Kelly Smith grew up on a diversified farm in Shelby County. He graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia, with a B.S. degree in Agricultural Economics. After graduation, Smith farmed south of Clarence for 12 years. In July 1986, Smith began his career with Missouri Farm Bureau as Northeast Regional Coordinator working with volunteer county leaders in an 18 county area. In June 1997, he was promoted to the Administrative Staff of Farm Bureau as Director of Marketing and Commodities.

Smith is currently responsible for the ACRES market information program, advisor to Farm Bureau's commodity and special interests committees, coordinates market outlook and market education programs for members, and works with commodity specific issues.

Smith and his wife Peggy have three children and reside in Jefferson City, Missouri.