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19 August 2026
Welcome to the next article in our series celebrating 150 years of the Horsham Agricultural Society.
Throughout this series, we’re exploring the people, milestones and stories that have shaped the society throughout the past 150 years.
When Barry Gross joined the Horsham Agricultural Society 58 years ago, he could hardly have imagined he would become its longest-serving councillor and a life member.
The Gross family name appears throughout the society’s history.
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Barry’s grandfather Samuel joined in 1929, followed his father Rol in 1949 and Barry in 1968, working alongside him in the prime lamb section.
His uncle Ken also served while pursuing a career as a Member of Parliament and long-serving member of the Wheat Board. Cousin Bernie served as president from 1975 to 1978, and second cousin George Gross served for 31 years.
His father’s cousin Jack also served before he and his son were tragically killed by lightning at Brimpaen in 1934. Barry’s mother’s Gibbons family also had connections to the society.
Barry’s childhood memories include a familiar theme from our previous stories, trying to sneak a glimpse beneath the canvas of the famous boxing tent. Although Barry admits the attraction may just as easily have been Vanessa the Undresser.
As a sheep producer who farmed at Drung, Barry exhibited prime lambs when livestock competitions were a major part of the show.
About 20 entries of three lambs across several weight classes sometimes filled the sheep area, once housed in what we now know as The Stables.
Lambs were judged live before one from each pen was selected for slaughter and carcass judging, allowing producers to compare the live assessment with the quality of the carcass.
The closure of Horsham’s abattoirs eventually brought the prime lamb competition to an end.
Barry’s involvement with sheep continued alongside fellow councillor Andy Rudolph in the all breeds sheep section in the Maydale Pavilion.
Barry remains very much part of society life.
Every Tuesday he joins six fellow life members for smoko in the workshop at Maydale Reserve, where decades of stories and agricultural knowledge are still shared over a cuppa.
Barry’s remarkable contribution reflects the generational spirit that has sustained the society for 150 years, with knowledge and commitment passed from one generation to the next.
The entire August 19, 2026 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!
