February 2011

Feb 17, 2011

Feed quality assurance is topic of online publication

A new online guide describes how to make quality assurance part of your mill by assembling a QA team, defining standard operating procedures and establishing critical control points. 

Feb 17, 2011

Spending from homes

One economic impacts of the housing boom during the decade of the 2000s was the additional spending that homeowners could afford by tapping into their home equity. How did this work? And where did the money go? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers. 

Feb 16, 2011

New position with N.C. MarketReady will support farm businesses

N.C. MarketReady, based at the N.C. Research Campus, has created a farm and agribusiness management position to develop and sustain programs that help N.C. agricultural producers explore efficient economic options and optimize profits for their farming operations. 

Feb 16, 2011

USDA Deputy Secretary praises 10% Campaign

U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan told audiences at N.C. State and N.C. A&T State universities during a Feb. 9 visit that she came to North Carolina because the Center for Environmental Farming Systems’ commitment to promoting local food economies. 

Feb 16, 2011

Ag-Bash benefits RAFI-USA

Alpha Gamma Rho, the agriculture fraternity at N.C. State University, raised $500 for the Rural Advancement Foundation International-USA (RAFI-USA) with its first Ag-Bash. 

Feb 16, 2011

Crazy Canadian spending

Canada didn’t suffer a financial meltdown like the United States did in recent years. As a result Canada has gotten a reputation as perhaps the model for moderation in both spending and investing. However, a recent statistic blows away Canada’s image of frugality. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains. 

Feb 15, 2011

What's up with food prices?

The latest inflation report from the government shows that prices for some food items are rising relatively rapidly. Meat prices are up almost 6 percent in the last year, and dairy prices have risen about 4 percent. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains what's going on. 

Feb 14, 2011

NSF grant funds Phytotron renovation

The N.C. State University Phytotron, a collection of climate-controlled chambers that allows scientists to control the conditions under which plants are grown, is about to get a major renovation. 

Feb 14, 2011

Where college degrees pay off more

It’s well known that financial benefits to a college degree differ for different college majors. And N.C. State University economist Mike Walden says that a recent study by the Federal Reserve Bank shows that the cash value of that degree varies by where the graduate chooses to live. 

Feb 11, 2011

Who holds our debt?

The national debt is becoming a bigger and bigger issue. The debt represents money the U.S. government owes to someone. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden defines who "someone" is.