Jonathan Ahl
Jonathan Ahl reports from the Rolla Bureau for St. Louis Public Radio. Before coming to St. Louis Public Radio in November of 2018, Jonathan was the General Manager for Tri States Public Radio in Macomb, Illinois. He previously was the News Director at Iowa Public Radio and before that at WCBU in Peoria, Illinois. Jonathan has also held reporting positions in central Illinois for public radio stations.
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A new study shows a threefold increase in Midwest farm acres using the offseason crops to help protect the soil and reduce runoff, but it still makes up less than 8% of all farmland. -
The report paints a grim picture of accelerating consolidation over the last three decades. Yet some communities and local grocery stores are finding ways to thrive. -
A new report from the USDA shows that rural areas are continuing to see growth among people over 65 while the working age population continues to decline. -
The Farm Bill, that sets important policy on everything from crop insurance to SNAP benefits, is up for renewal next year. But the results of the midterm elections may not shed much light on how that legislation will end up. -
Farm implement manufacturers, including giant John Deere, are well on their way to deploying autonomous tractors. Prototypes are in the field now, and they could be widely available by the end of the decade. -
Silvopasture is the practice of grazing livestock in a forested area instead of an open pasture. It’s a very old practice that might see new life. -
While COVID isn’t as big of a concern this year, fairs are keeping some protocols in place they picked up during the pandemic. At the same time, they are keeping an eye on other threats to crowd levels. -
The crossbreed gained some attention in the 1970s. Supporters today say there is big potential to provide better, healthier meat by combining the best qualities of the two animals, in just the right amount. -
A series of virtual roundtable discussions are underway regarding the Waters of the United States definition. But the input might not change much about what comes next. -
A coalition of groups ranging from beef producers and processors to environmental interests have laid out a collection of goals and action items to make raising cattle more sustainable and less taxing on the environment.
