76 year old Ohio farmer David Brandt, the man behind the “it’s honest work” meme, has reportedly died of injuries related to a vehicle crash, according to reports.
Brandt, a nationally recognized advocate for no-till farming, spent years traveling across America to discuss sustainable farming techniques. He made waves online after making a series of remarks in 2012 during a Natural Resources Conservation Service event at his farm.
Awww, we lost the “It ain’t much, but it’s honest work” meme guy.
Turns out he loved that he became that meme. David Brandt was a no-till farmer from Ohio that unfortunately died in a crash this week.
Rest In Peace patriot, not all heroes wear capes. 🙏🏻https://t.co/G5gdA7Bv7w pic.twitter.com/B3bgRrPCve
— Mindy Robinson 🇺🇸 (@iheartmindy) May 23, 2023
In talking about his farm work, Brandt famously opined: “It ain’t much, but it’s honest work.”
The remarks were hailed as an inspirational message for hard working Americans before becoming a meme on social media platforms.
Relatives of Brandt reportedly said that the farmer enjoyed his “it’s honest work” meme, admitting that the meme featuring his likeness was the first meme he’d ever come across.
More sad news. 🥺 Dave Brandt, the Ohio farmer best known to most of us from the "But it's honest work" meme, has passed away following a vehicle accident.
Your honest work on earth is done. Rest In Peace, sir. 🙏🏼🤍 pic.twitter.com/7cB1sVgoT6
— ☘️𝕃𝕦𝕔𝕜𝕪 Ƒʉͫcͧкͭιͪηͣ 𝕄𝕔𝔾𝕖𝕖 (@LuckyMcGee) May 22, 2023
Brandt served in the Marine Corp during the Vietnam war and began no-till farming with his wife in 1971.
No-till farming is a method of environmentally friendly agriculture where crop soil remains undisturbed by tillage to reduce erosion.
Reports online say that Brandt was injured in a vehicle crash on Thursday in Urbana, Illinois, and ultimately succumbed to his wounds.
"It's honest work" ~ Dave Brandt
Rip my dude 🍺 pic.twitter.com/Rv9F2GMgfM
— SailorᏝᏗᏒᏒᎩ⚓ (@SailorLarry8) May 22, 2023
Upon learning of his death this week, scores of conservatives online have posted supportive messages and other content commemoration of the Ohio farmer’s legacy.
“Awww, we lost the ‘It ain’t much, but it’s honest work’ meme guy. Turns out he loved that he became that meme. David Brandt was a no-till farmer from Ohio that unfortunately died in a crash this week. Rest In Peace patriot, not all heroes wear capes,” wrote investigative journalist Mindy Robinson.
It's just a Mandela effect… He never said "It ain't much but it's honest work"… 😔😔
RIP meme legend 🪦🌻😔 https://t.co/u5Ak5EeQD2 pic.twitter.com/W5ZcD2Ow6F
— Aiman Zikry Anuar 🦊🇲🇾 (@aimn_zkry) May 22, 2023
“More sad news,” wrote user @LuckyMcGee. “Dave Brandt, the Ohio farmer best known to most of us from the ‘But it’s honest work’ meme, has passed away following a vehicle accident. Your honest work on earth is done. Rest In Peace, sir.”
Follow Andrew on Twitter @whiteaf5.
