Jonathan Ahl
Jonathan Ahl joined Iowa Public Radio as News Director in July 2008. He leads the news and talk show teams in field reporting, feature reporting, audio documentaries, and talk show content. With more than 17 years in public media, Jonathan is a nationally award-winning reporter that has worked at public radio stations in Macomb, Springfield and Peoria, IL. He served WCBU-FM in Peoria as news director before coming to Iowa. He also served as a part-time instructor at Bradley University teaching journalism and writing courses. Jonathan is currently serving a second term as president of PRNDI ââ
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Elderberries are native to the Midwest, but the commercial cultivation of the crop is relatively recent, and saw a big increase during the coronavirus pandemic. That has the burgeoning industry wondering if its future is as a small, niche crop or something bigger. -
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. -
Most grazing animals spend their time in open pastures. But there is a movement to raise livestock in the forest to benefit animals and the environment.
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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. -
Supporters cite the beefalo's hardiness, ease of breeding and the leaner, protein-rich healthier meat, but others say the costly crossbreed weakens the genetic line of the bison.
