'Giant In New Jersey Agriculture' Killed In Tractor Accident: Cops

A 73-year-old who was considered a "giant in New Jersey agriculture" died Thursday after he was run over by a tractor on his farm, police said.

The accident happened around 2 p.m. on Thursday in Tabernacle while Anthony "Tony" Russo III was working in the fields of his family's Russo's Fruit & Vegetable Farm when the man was accidentally hit by the tractor, according to NBC Philadelphia.

Russo, who typically sold typically sold 100,000 cases of corn a year, was rushed to Virtua Hospital where he was later pronounced dead, according to 6abc.

The tractor, operated by Russo, was pulling seeding equipment when the accident occurred, State Police told 6abc.

The farmer was a former member was described both as a "pillar of the Tabernacle community" and a "giant in New Jersey agriculture," prompting Tabernacle Mayor Stephen Lee IV to tell The Burlington County Times: "It's a very sad day for their family and a very sad day for the entire community."

The farm celebrated its 75th anniversary last year and is one of the most well-known farm stands in the county and across South Jersey. Russo took over operations of the farm in 1991 after his father, Anthony Russo Jr., passed.

The farm stand's Facebook page shows how the operation is famous for selling flowers, plants and seasonal decorations, as well as baked goods such as ice cream cupcakes and fruits and vegetables.

Art Brown, former New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture and Russo's close friend, told The Burlington County Times that Russo was one of the leaders in the field of agriculture.

"He was a forward-looking farmer and a hardworking farmer who always looked into the future for his family," Brown said told the publication. "It's a real loss for the family No. 1, but second for agriculture in the Garden State because he was a real leader in the field."

Russo and his wife, Maryann, recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, according to the Facebook page.

"What a special achievement blessed with love, trust and hard work. A family that works together, stays together. Wishing you many more happy memories to come. Thank you for the loving example you set for all of us," according to the page.

The farm was a family business: Russo's son, Anthony, and his wife, Melissa, both work on the farm, according to the website.

Picture: Anthony "Tony" Russo met with Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno and Secretary of Agriculture Douglas Fisher in 2013. The group took a quick tour of our farm operation.