July 2012

Jul 10, 2012

Stocks and bonds

The stock market has been riding a roller coaster recently. Is there any way for an investor to protect against the downs of the stock market and still earn a decent return? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Jul 9, 2012

Tomato growers take note, late blight is early this year

Late blight, a plant disease that can kill tomato plants, has been found on North Carolina tomatoes earlier in the growing season this year than usual, and home gardeners who grow tomatoes may want to be aware of the threat. 

Jul 9, 2012

Why are gas prices down?

It seems like the unthinkable has happened. Gas prices -- after jumping in some regions to over $4 a gallon -- have now dropped for several months. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains what’s up – or, more precisely, down -- with gas prices. 

Jul 6, 2012

YOU DECIDE: Is the true inflation rate being hidden?

It often seems the inflation rate reported by the government doesn't square with our personal experience with the cost of living. What's going on? Mike Walden explains. 

Jul 6, 2012

A global slowdown

We’ve heard about the economic problems in Europe, and some economists now think Europe is in a recession. The recent job numbers in our country have also been disappointing. Is the entire world now going in reverse? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers. 

Jul 5, 2012

Pent-up demand

What does the term pent-up demand mean, and what does it have to do with today’s economy? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers. 

Jul 4, 2012

Austerity vs. stimulus

Perhaps the biggest debate in the country now is what to do to boost the economy. There appears to be two distinct sides. One is called austerity, and it calls for balancing the federal budget and reducing the deficit mainly by changing spending. The other argues for just the opposite by having the government spend more money and worry about the debt later. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden puts these two clashing recommendations in perspective. 

Jul 3, 2012

Excess reserves

The banking system has been -- and continues to be -- at the heart of many of the current economic issues. One of the terms that comes up these days in discussions of today’s economy and banks is excess reserves. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains what it means and why it's important. 

Jul 2, 2012

Session allows agents to ask produce safety questions

Cooperative Extension agents can have their questions about fresh produce safety answered during an Elluminate webinar, July 12, 10 a.m. The webinar will mostly be about Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), GAPs audits, the Food Safety Modernization Act and any other fresh produce safety related questions. It will be hosted by Diane Ducharme, Ben Chapman, Chris Gunter, Justin Moore, Audrey Kreske and Chip Simmons of the Fresh Produce Safety Task Force. 

Jul 2, 2012

Hops events educate growers on new specialty crop

As North Carolina's craft beer industry grows, so does interest in locally produced hops. Two upcoming events in Asheville and Raleigh will offer information on growing this new specialty crop in North Carolina