HEAVY HITTERS W/ SALAD DAYS OWNER: LEIGH BAILEY

In this episode of *Heavy Hitters: The Outlaw Entrepreneur Show*, host Clay Edwards dives into the world of innovative local agriculture with guest Lee Bailey, the owner and co-founder of Salad Days Produce in Flora, Mississippi. What starts as a seemingly simple chat about salads evolves into an eye-opening discussion on health, entrepreneurship, and the future of food production in the Magnolia State.

Clay recounts how he discovered Salad Days through a tip from state senator Chad McMahon, who urged him to tour the facility after a recent visit. Impressed by the high-tech, hydroponic operation, Clay shares his firsthand experience: walking through the 18,000-square-foot greenhouse felt like stepping into a sterile, medical-grade environment—reminiscent of Mississippi's cannabis grow facilities, but dedicated to pesticide-free, nutrient-rich lettuce. Lee explains the magic behind their "better than organic" produce: grown indoors without dirt or manure to eliminate risks like E. coli, using organic seeds and sprays only when needed, and harvested as living heads that stay fresh for up to three weeks (or longer) in the fridge. Listeners will be amazed by the taste difference—fresh, flavorful lettuce that doesn't need heavy dressings to shine, versus the bland, chemical-laden stuff trucked in from 3,000 miles away.

The conversation turns timely as they explore COVID's silver lining: a nationwide awakening to health and supply chain vulnerabilities. Lee describes how the pandemic forced Salad Days to pivot from wholesale to direct-to-consumer sales, never missing a day of work and gaining loyal "lettuce snobs" who now advocate for their product in restaurants. They tie this into broader movements like "Make America Healthy Again" (inspired by Robert Kennedy Jr.) and Mississippi's own "Make Mississippi Healthy Again" initiative under Agriculture Commissioner Andy Gipson, emphasizing food as medicine, reducing processed foods, and combating the state's food deserts and obesity rates. Clay and Lee stress the importance of knowing your food sources—whether it's local produce, meat, or honey—for building personal relationships and supporting community resilience.

Delving into the business side, Lee shares Salad Days' origin story: after decades in real estate, she and her husband Jamie self-taught hydroponics over two years, launching the company nearly 12 years ago. Their efficient system recirculates water (resulting in a shockingly low $40 monthly bill), conserves land (producing six acres' worth of outdoor yield indoors), and minimizes waste. Products include bib (butter) lettuce for sandwiches, wraps, and burgers; a colorful spring mix with green sweet crisp and red oak leaf; and bulk varieties for restaurants. They discuss creative uses, like keto-friendly hamburger salads, Asian chicken wraps, or lighter dressings with fruit, nuts, and cheeses like feta or blue—proving lettuce isn't just a vessel for toppings but a star ingredient.

Excitingly, Lee teases an upcoming expansion that will scale operations, create 15-20 full-time jobs in Madison County, and extend their reach beyond the Jackson metro area. Throughout, they touch on related topics like the benefits of cannabis oils, kratom, red light therapy, seasonal eating, and holistic health—reminding us that getting back to basics (sunlight, grounding, and fresh, local foods) can counter the pitfalls of industrial complexes.

Whether you're an entrepreneur eyeing a career pivot, a health enthusiast seeking better eating habits, or just curious about Mississippi's ag innovation, this episode highlights how supporting local businesses like Salad Days keeps money circulating in the community while promoting wellness. Tune in for inspiring insights, practical tips, and a fresh perspective on what "farm-to-table" really means. Visit saladdaysproduce.com to find retailers near you, and follow on Facebook for updates. Don't miss this flavorful blend of business savvy and healthy living!