January 2012

Jan 31, 2012

Exercise and economics

Does the level of exercise move with the ups and downs of the economy? N.C. State University economist explains a recent study that looked at this question. 

Jan 30, 2012

Facts and fictions about measuring unemployment

Some say that the unemployment rate is based on the number of people qualifying for unemployment compensation and that, therefore, once jobless workers stop collecting unemployment compensation they’re no longer counted as unemployed and, as a result, the real unemployment rate is much higher than the reported rate. But, as N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains, that's not the case. 

Jan 27, 2012

The 10% Campaign receives $5,000 gift from Carolina Farm Credit

Carolina Farm Credit, based in Statesville, has given $5,000 to support the 10% Campaign, a North Carolina initiative designed to encourage consumers to spend 10 percent of their food budget on locally produced foods. 

Jan 27, 2012

What's the 2012 economic outlook?

Probably the most frequent question people are asking about 2012 is whether the economy will improve, and N.C. State University economist Mike Walden says he thinks it will. 

Jan 26, 2012

Learn more about Small Farms Week 2012

The itinerary for The Cooperative Extension Program at A&T’s annual celebration of small-scale agriculture is set. The kickoff will be Monday, March 26, in Martin County; Tuesday’s (March 27) educational forum will feature tours of two farms where livestock and produce production are innovatively amalgamated, and the educational forum Wednesday morning (March 28) prior to the Small Farmers Recognition Luncheon will include presentations by a number of authorities on increasing profits from livestock production. 

Jan 26, 2012

Keep your eye on the ECB

Many economists who are watching the European situation say any short-run solution to the European debt crisis must come from the European Central Bank at the center of the euro and the euro countries. So what does the ECB have to do? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Jan 25, 2012

Natural gas supplies

Natural gas was once a relatively minor fuel that attracted very little attention. Now it’s big news, and some claim it’s the fuel of the future. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains what’s changed. 

Jan 24, 2012

The coming commodity squeeze

Although everyone is focused on today’s challenging economy, it’s helpful to look ahead at some of the economic issues we will likely face down the road. Many experts say a big issue will be both the supply and price of basic commodities. What do they mean? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains. 

Jan 23, 2012

CALS entomologist John Meyer honored as top Envirothon mentor

Meyer has been named the 2011 Envirothon Mentor of the Year by the Wake County Soil and Water Conservation District. 

Jan 23, 2012

North Carolina jobs: lagging or waiting?

Since the job market bottomed out in early 2010, North Carolina has added jobs but at only one-third the rate of the nation. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains why.