Dr. Joel Gruver is an Associate Professor of Soil Science in the School of Agriculture at Western Illinois University. In addition to teaching soil science and conservation classes, he is the Director of the WIU Organic Research Program. His research and outreach activities focus on organic grain production systems with an emphasis on weed management, nutrient management and farming system strategies to enhance soil health. He grew up on a small farm in rural Maryland and has been active in farming systems research and education for over 25 years.