As a 5th-generation farmer on Gross Farms, John Gross has deep roots in Sanford, North Carolina, where his family has farmed the land for over a century. When he was in the 11th grade, he became an owner in the operation, managing three acres of Tobacco and working alongside his father, Thomas A. Gross, Sr.

2026 North Carolina Farmer of the Year: John H. Gross | Sunbelt Ag Expo in Moultrie, Georgia

Gross Farms is now owned and operated by John and his wife, Tina Gross, and their four children, making it a true family farming operation. From growing tobacco and soybeans to managing the U-Pick strawberries and pumpkins, each family member plays a crucial role in the operation.

John Gross is from Sanford, North Carolina. He is married to Tina Gross, and they have four children.

John Gross is a farmer and co-owns and operates Gross Farms with his wife, Tina Gross, and their four children.

John is a farmer and co-owns and operates Gross Farms with his wife, Tina Gross, and their four children.

2026 North Carolina General Election

Since 2004, John has been utilizing GPS-guided grid sampling and precision application equipment. Grid sampling allows for application of the correct quantities of the right nutrients for optimum crop growth, while also protecting water quality from excessive nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus.

For the past twenty years, John has also been using precision sprayers which allow him to turn on and off sections of the spray boom to prevent over spraying and ensure proper placement of chemical herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides.

John has worked closely with the NRCS and local Soil and Water Conservation District to protect, enhance, and restore the land he uses. A few of the goals he is constantly improving on include removing environmentally sensitive land from production, planting species that will improve environmental health, and improving water quality.

Uses Global Positioning System-guided grid sampling and precision nutrient application to protect water quality from excessive nitrogen and phosphorus.

Uses precision sprayers to prevent overspraying and control the placement of herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides.

Works to protect environmental health and water quality by removing environmentally sensitive land from production and planting beneficial species.

- Uses Global Positioning System-guided grid sampling and precision nutrient application to protect water quality from excessive nitrogen and phosphorus.
- Uses precision sprayers to prevent overspraying and control the placement of herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides.
- Works to protect environmental health and water quality by removing environmentally sensitive land from production and planting beneficial species.

Energy & the Environment

As of September 2, 2026, John Gross did not have a website or any information online.

Administration

John Gross

As of September 2, 2026, John Gross’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Four children and over four decades later, Gross Farms is now owned and operated by John and his wife, Tina Gross, and their four children, making it a true family farming operation. From growing tobacco and soybeans to managing the U-Pick strawberries and pumpkins, each family member plays a crucial role in the operation.

John Gross is from Sanford, North Carolina. He and his wife, Tina Gross, have four children.

Four children and over four decades later, Gross Farms is now owned and operated by John and his wife, Tina Gross, and their four children, making it a true family farming operation. From growing tobacco and soybeans to managing the U-Pick strawberries and pumpkins, each family member plays a crucial role in the operation. Through the years, John has worked extensively to continue to develop the operation and ensure each of their children’s families can have an active role in Gross Farms.

Uses cover crops and strip tillage to maintain ground cover, conserve moisture, control weeds, and protect soil from erosion.

Prioritizes farm practices that manage soil erosion, protect water quality, and remove environmentally sensitive land from production.

Uses GPS-guided soil sampling in a grid and applies nutrients precisely to protect water quality from excess nitrogen and phosphorus.

Uses precision sprayers to prevent overspraying and target application of herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides.

Uses water- and sediment-control basins to reduce gully erosion and manage downstream runoff.

Mauricio Mendez

Walter Ley

Luke (Sawyer) Arnold

Michael L. Gaster

- A soil and water conservation district supervisor is 1 member of a board of 5 supervisors that works to improve the soil and water quality in the county through education. 
- The board of supervisors provide technical and financial assistance to help land users maintain their land and surrounding ecosystems. 
- The board of supervisors design long term conservation programs that teach environmental care, pollution reduction, and provide incentives for using these practices, especially for agricultural workers. 
- The board of supervisors provide short term educational services like competitions, field days, and workshops to educate the public on conservation. 
- Soil and water conservation district supervisors are elected to 4 year terms in non-partisan races. However, 2 of the board members are appointed by the state soil and water commission. 

Member of board of supervisors that creates aid programs and educates people on environmental conservation. 