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March 2011

Mar 31, 2011

Is North Carolina's economy still changing?

North Carolina's economy has changed dramatically over the past several decades. Industries such as textiles, tobacco and furniture, which dominated the economy for generations, have been replaced by upstarts like technology, finance and health care. Is the transformation still occurring? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Mar 30, 2011

Farm Animal Days attracts largest crowd ever

The college's annual Farm Animal Days event drew a record crowd of 10,962 during its three-day run in March. There are animals galore – including chicks, sheep and rabbits to pet – as well as roping demonstrations, tractors to climb on and complimentary cups of N.C. State’s signature “Howling Cow” ice cream. 

Mar 30, 2011

Guadalupe Arce-Jiminez: CALS scholar and activist

Freshman biological sciences major Guadalupe Arce-Jiminez, originally from Mexico, is among CALS' first class of Dale and Genia Bone Scholars. The scholarship goes to selected farmworkers or their dependents. 

Mar 30, 2011

Do energy prices move together?

When we hear oil prices are rising, we know that the increases will eventually come to gas at the pump. But does this also mean we will pay more to heat our homes or our hot water? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Mar 29, 2011

Big oil producers

Oil is in the news again with the continued price hikes we are seeing. Much of the concern now focuses on supply amid the turmoil in the Middle East. This leads to a simple yet important question: Just who are the largest oil producers in the world? N.C State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Mar 28, 2011

Bryce Lane to host campus plant walk, April 16

Bryce Lane, undergraduate coordinator in the Horticultural Science Department and host of the Emmy Award-winning show In the Garden on WUNC-TV, will lead participants on a tour describing the plants and trees on N.C. State University’s North Campus at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 16. 

Mar 28, 2011

Population gains

The U.S. Census released population numbers for North Carolina for the last decade (2000-2010). N.C. State University economist Mike Walden describes the highlights. 

Mar 25, 2011

Finally some good job news

Job creation in the country has been disappointing. But many economists thought this would change at least temporarily in February after the winter storms passed. Where they right? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers. 

Mar 24, 2011

Nursery collaborates with N.C. State to solve production challenges

From its greenhouses and farm in Rougemont, Hoffman Nursery sells ornamental and native grass liners -- or starter plants -- wholesale to customers all across the United States and Canada. But when the company’s owners need solutions to production problems, they frequently look much closer to home -- to the agricultural research and Extension experts at N.C. State University. 

Mar 24, 2011

More job confusion

Job data appear to be diverging: One recent job survey showed only a trickle of new jobs, while another survey showed thousands of additional jobs created. What’s the person on the street to think? Is the job market good or bad? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds.