Phil Gruber is the lead reporter and oversees story assignments at Lancaster Farming newspaper in Ephrata. He reports on ag legislation and policy in all Mid-Atlantic states and at the federal level. His stories on avian influenza, Pennsylvania’s dairy over-order premium and other topics are designed to make complex issues accessible to a broad agricultural audience.
With the editor, Gruber leads the paper’s news team, assigning and editing stories from staff and freelancers. He also provides training and staff development.
Gruber has created several special projects for Lancaster Farming, from a 60-page stylebook to Classroom News — weekly curriculum for ag teachers based on Lancaster Farming stories. He launched the paper’s summer tour series in 2023 by visiting five western Pennsylvania fairs.
A native of southern Lancaster County, Gruber joined Lancaster Farming as a staff writer in 2013 after covering township meetings as a correspondent for what is now LNP newspaper. He graduated from Grove City College with degrees in English and communication studies.
Gruber has received 42 Keystone Media Awards, including 23 first-place awards, from the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association. He received the 2021 ag journalism award from the Berks Agricultural Resource Network. Outside of work, he volunteers and hosts trivia at the Quarryville Library.
