Jonathan Ahl
Jonathan Ahl reports from Missouri for Harvest Public Media. He also is the Rolla Reporter 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. Jonathan is originally from the Chicago area. He has a B.A. in Music Theory and Composition from Western Illinois University and an M.A. in Public Affairs Reporting from the University of Illinois at Springfield. He is an avid long distance runner, semi-professional saxophonist and die-hard Chicago Cubs fan.
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Sales of elderberries exploded during the COVID-19 pandemic. The fruit is often used as a nutritional supplement. Now, there's a debate among growers over expanding the crop's market even more.
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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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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. -
Small town farm shows are reacting differently to COVID-19 restrictions. Some canceled, some went virtual and some are carrying on as usual.
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Instead of applying crushed limestone to balance pH levels in fields, some farmers are trying crushed basalt. It can trap carbon and could help fight climate change.
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The video game Farming Simulator has found a loyal and niche audience in the gaming world. This isn't the cheesy Farmville game from years ago, but one emulating the real challenges of running a farm. -
A new bar in St. Louis isn't charging by the drink, but by the hour. The all you can drink concept is raising concerns about excessive drinking. But two weeks in, the vibe is anything but wild.
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At Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri, the Army is testing new boots for boot camp. Responding to increases in injuries, the Army wants different models of boots with more focus on performance and comfort.
