An Ohio farmer known as a leader and mentor in agriculture, has died. David Brandt passed away due to a car wreck on May 27, 2023.

Brandt is also known for a Reddit meme that shows him dressed in bib overalls and a checkered shirt standing in a farm field. The meme says, “It ain’t much but it’s honest work.” Brandt was a staunch advocate for sustainable agriculture and no-till farming.

While NPR was unable to get an interview with the meme’s creator, the media giant was able to determine that Brandt’s image was taken from a USDA campaign for soil health awareness. NPR also found that despite his notoriety for the meme and his prestige in the ag industry, he remained humble and honest throughout his life.

“For everyday farmers, Brandt was a teacher, a mentor, and a friend. A jovial presence whose laughter was infectious, he shared his learnings widely, often hosting workshops and lectures on his farm and traveling across the country to speak,” NPR said.

“He started an agricultural consulting business and sold cover crop seed, but he was never afraid to dish out free advice; he valued people over profits in every circumstance, one of his friends told NPR.”

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NPR May 30, 2023