David Brandt Ohio Farmer Car Accident: Who Was David Brandt? David Brandt Obituary
by A Maria
Updated May 26, 2023
Who Was David Brandt?
David Brandt (1946 or 1947 – May 21, 2023) was an esteemed American farmer renowned for his expertise in sustainable agriculture practices, particularly in the areas of no-till farming and cover crops. Apart from his contributions to the field of agriculture, Brandt gained internet fame as the face of a popular meme. Born and raised in Carroll, Ohio, Brandt hailed from a family deeply rooted in farming, and he began working on his grandfather's farm at a young age. During his time in high school, he successfully managed a "farrow-to-finish" pig operation.
David Brandt, whose birth year is believed to be either 1946 or 1947, dedicated his life to promoting sustainable agricultural techniques. He became widely recognized for his advocacy and implementation of no-till farming and cover crops, practices that have significant environmental benefits. Beyond his impactful work in the agriculture industry, Brandt achieved internet fame as the face of a meme, capturing the attention and amusement of online communities.
Growing up in Carroll, Ohio, Brandt's passion for farming was instilled early on, as he actively participated in his family's farming tradition and honed his skills while working on his grandfather's farm. Even during his high school years, he showcased his commitment to the agricultural world by effectively managing a "farrow-to-finish" pig operation.
David Brandt Ohio Farmer Car Accident
David Brandt, the Ohio farmer who gained viral fame as a meme for his appreciation of "honest work," has passed away at the age of 76 following a car accident in Illinois. The tragic incident occurred on Thursday while Brandt was on a trip selling seeds in Urbana. Sadly, he succumbed to his injuries on the following Sunday.
Brandt, a respected figure in sustainable agriculture, had been involved in farming for over five decades. He gained widespread recognition for his notable remarks made during a 2012 event organized by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, which took place on his expansive 736-acre farm in Carroll, as reported by the Associated Press. When discussing his profession, the Ohio native humbly stated, "It ain't much, but it's honest work," a phrase that resonated with many and led to his internet fame.
David Brandt Obituary
David William Brandt, aged 76, passed away as a result of injuries sustained in a vehicle accident in Urbana, Illinois, on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at 10:59 PM Central Time. David was preceded in death by his parents, Eleanor and William Brandt, as well as his beloved wife, Kendra Brandt. He was a loving brother to Carolyn Florence, Bonnie Thompson, and Patricia Caldwell. Additionally, he was a wonderful brother-in-law to Lilian Kathleen Parrish and Sandra Richards.
David will be deeply missed by his children and their spouses, Jay and Ann Brandt, as well as Amy (Brandt) and Charles Gregory Brock. His grandchildren, Christopher, Isaac, Matthew, Therese, Ethan, and Sarah, will always cherish his memory and remember how proud he was of them.
David served as a Marine in Vietnam and was widely recognized as a Christian, farmer, meme icon, and the Godfather of Soil Health. He was an exceptional steward of the land and imparted his knowledge to countless individuals around the world. His remarkable presence, which seemed larger than life, will be greatly missed by many. David, your honest work is now complete. May you rest in peace.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Friday, June 2, at the DWAYNE R. SPENCE FUNERAL HOME located at 650 W. Waterloo St. Canal Winchester, OH 43110. Furthermore, a celebration of David's life will be held from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Saturday, June 3, at his residence, 6100 Basil Western Rd. Carroll, OH 43112. This gathering will bring together friends, colleagues, farmers, and numerous others who had the privilege of knowing David.
What was David Brandt's Cause of Death?
In May 2023, David Brandt sadly passed away due to complications resulting from an automobile accident. His obituary stated that the agricultural community in Ohio had never witnessed a global cultural phenomenon quite like David Brandt of Fairfield County, who left a lasting impact on the industry. He was 76 years old at the time of his passing.
The obituary also highlighted David Brandt's unwavering dedication and contributions to the agriculture industry. His tireless efforts and commitment to his work were recognized and appreciated by those who knew him. His presence in the field of agriculture will be deeply missed, and his legacy as a remarkable figure in the industry will endure.
David Brandt Honest Work
After completing his service in the Vietnam War, Brandt embarked on his farming journey in 1969 as a tenant farmer. Sadly, tragedy struck when his father died in a tractor accident shortly after his return, leading Brandt to sell his father's land and much of his equipment. In 1971, together with his wife Kendra, they embraced no-till farming as a cost-cutting measure while transitioning to a smaller-scale operation.
Brandt also received $3000 from a program aimed at promoting no-till techniques among farmers. During the same year, he was able to acquire his grandmother's farm, where their focus encompassed corn, soybeans, and wheat, as well as raising pigs and Charolais cows. In 1978, Brandt introduced hairy vetch and winter peas to his fields to combat erosion and enhance soil nitrogen content, consequently boosting crop yields.
From 1981 to 1984, he worked as a local agriculturalist for the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service. In 1985, Brandt transitioned away from tenant farming and established his own farm on his grandmother's land in Carroll, Ohio, which became his lifelong endeavor. His focus shifted to crop cultivation rather than livestock production.
During the late 1990s and early 2000s, Brandt conducted experiments with various cover crop combinations and species, such as radishes and sunflowers, in order to improve soil quality and enhance crop yields. These cover crops allowed Brandt to reduce the use of commercial nitrogen additives, resulting in significant cost savings.
Moreover, he observed a decrease in mold, blight, and insect infestations, enabling him to reduce or eliminate the use of fungicides, herbicides, and insecticides on certain areas of his farm. In 2012, the USDA initiated a soil education program at Brandt's farm. From 2017 to 2021, he served as the president of the Soil Health Academy, a nonprofit organization he co-founded, dedicated to promoting regenerative agriculture.
Brandt also held the position of president of the Ohio No-Till Council for 14 years. Collaborating with fellow farmers and organizations, he provided training on his conservation techniques, and his farmland served as a research site for projects conducted by Ohio State University and other institutions. In addition to his on-farm work, Brandt traveled and spoke at various engagements, including a NATO conference, where he advocated for sustainable agriculture practices.
In 2015, he received an invitation from Stéphane Le Foll, then the French Minister of Agriculture and Food, to travel to France and share his expertise with local no-till farmers, following Le Foll's visit to Brandt's farm. In 2012, Dave White, then-chief of the USDA-NRCS, hailed Brandt as the "Obi-Wan Kenobi of healthy soil". In March 2016, Ohio Farmer Magazine honored him as a Master Farmer.
In 2022, No-till on the Plains, a Kansas-based educational and farming nonprofit, established the No-till David Brandt Soil Legacy Award, which recognizes individuals who have dedicated their life's work to improving soil health. Brandt was the inaugural recipient of this prestigious award.
Was David Brandt Married?
During his high school years, Brandt crossed paths with his future wife, Kendra, and their relationship blossomed. They tied the knot in the mid-1960s before his deployment. Tragically, Kendra passed away in 2020 after battling cancer, leaving behind cherished memories in Brandt's heart. On the farm, Brandt received support from his son, daughter-in-law, and grandson, who actively participated in the family's agricultural endeavors, working alongside him to cultivate the land and uphold their farming legacy.
David Brandt Biography
Name
DOB
1946/1947
Died
May 21, 2023 (aged 76)
Urbana, Illinois, U.S.
Occupation
Farmer
Known for
Pioneering sustainable agriculture techniques
Being the subject of an internet meme
Allegiance
United States
Service/branch
United States Marine Corps
Years of service
1968–1969
Battles/wars
Vietnam War
Awards
Purple Heart (3)
SPECIFICATIONS
DETAILS
David Brandt
David Brandt Ohio Farmer Car Accident - FAQs
David Brandt was an Ohio farmer who became widely known as a meme for his appreciation of "honest work." He was a respected figure in sustainable agriculture and had been involved in farming for over five decades.
Tragically, David Brandt passed away at the age of 76 due to injuries sustained in a car accident in Urbana, Illinois. The accident occurred while he was on a seed-selling trip. Despite efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries a few days later.
During a 2012 event organized by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, David Brandt made a humble remark about his profession: "It ain't much, but it's honest work." This phrase resonated with many people and led to his internet fame as a meme.
David Brandt had been actively involved in farming for over fifty years, dedicating his life to the profession. His extensive experience and knowledge made him a respected figure in the field of sustainable agriculture.
David Brandt was recognized for his contributions to sustainable agriculture techniques. Throughout his career, he focused on practices such as no-till farming and cover crops to improve soil health and increase crop yield. His dedication and innovative approaches made him a pioneer in the field.