An illustrious Ohio farmer featured in a viral social media meme praising the virtues of “hard work” has passed away after suffering injuries in a car accident in Illinois.
No-till farming advocate David Brandt was well-known nationwide and lectured on sustainable agricultural methods and soil health.
But his remarks during a 2012 Natural Resources Conservation Service event made him famous, and the event was hosted on his farm.
When asked about his job, Brandt replied, “It ain’t much, but it honest work,” a phrase later converted into a meme representing traditional values and work ethic.
Relatives claim that despite not knowing what a meme was until a bank teller showed him the photograph on her phone and informed him that he was one,
Brandt appreciated the meme that featured him wearing overalls and standing in a field.
Brandt, a Vietnam War veteran of the Marine Corps, and his wife Kendra started no-till farming in 1971 to save money.
He subsequently rose to prominence as an advocate to no-till agriculture, which involves growing crops without disturbing the soil through plowing.
This dramatically lowers soil erosion and positively affects the environment and the climate. On his 736-acre farm, Brandt maintained a cover crop seed firm and a seed cleaning business, and he also promoted cover crops and other sustainable farming methods.
On Thursday, Brandt, 76, was damaged in a collision in Urbana, Illinois. He passed away on Sunday from his wounds.
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