2014

May 15, 2014

N.C. Cooperative Extension celebrates centennial birthday with bash, proclamation

North Carolina Cooperative Extension has been changing lives for 100 years, and it’s time to celebrate. Extension personnel from throughout the state will converge in Raleigh on May 19 and 20 for festivities that will kick off with a celebratory dinner and culminate with a proclamation by Gov. Pat McCrory. Media are invited to attend both events. 

May 13, 2014

Ristaino, Hanley-Bowdoin lead Bellagio Center conference on dangerous plant pathogens

Participants at the international conference worked to develop a strategy to mitigate impacts of emerging plant diseases in sub-Saharan Africa. 

May 9, 2014

You Decide: Do we live in the most interesting times?

It’s popular to say we live in a fast-paced, highly connected, ever-shifting world. But a strong case can be made for that world actually occurring 90 years ago. 

May 9, 2014

The Keynesian prescription

Though most people are unfamiliar with the names of economists, the name John Maynard Keynes may generate some interest, says host Mary Walden. Keynes is associated with government stimulus programs, which are very controversial. She asks her husband, N.C. State economist Mike Walden to give a thumbnail summary of Keynes’ ideas. 

May 8, 2014

Survey shows farmers skeptical of climate change

A recent survey in four states, led by NC State economist Roderick Rejesus, shows that farmers don’t readily accept the concept of climate change or the science behind it. They also have trouble believing crop yields would suffer due to climate change. 

May 7, 2014

2014 Gala in the Garden is a special celebration of North Carolina

Forget the vernal equinox. For multitudes of gardening enthusiasts, the true first day of spring is the day of the annual Gala in the Garden at N.C. State University’s JC Raulston Arboretum. This year the theme of the May 4 gala was “Celebrating North Carolina,” so the emphasis was on the state’s finest food, botanicals, products and people. 

May 6, 2014

NCARS partnership increases access to technology

Local agricultural equipment dealer Ronnie Jackson of Clinton Truck and Tractor in Clinton, N.C. -- a long-time supporter of the college's agricultural research -- recently provided the college with specialty equipment to enhance instruction of innovative technology in real-world settings. 

May 2, 2014

Future of Food lecturers share perspectives on agriculture, food

The Future of Food lecture series, which started last fall, included four speakers on a variety of food-related topics. Dr. Sam Pardue, associate dean and director of Academic Programs for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, developed the series to “stimulate discussion surrounding the important food issues of the day.” 

May 2, 2014

The gender pay gap

Recently “equal pay day” was celebrated to highlight the continuing difference between average salaries of male workers compared to female workers. Females earn less, although the difference has been gradually shrinking over time. Host Mary Walden asks her husband N.C. State economist Mike Walden, why should there be a difference at all in what males and females earn? 

May 1, 2014

Increased drought portends lower future Midwest crop yields

Increasingly harsh drought conditions in the U.S. Midwest’s Corn Belt may take a serious toll on corn and soybean yields over the next half-century, according to research published today in the journal Science. Corn yields could drop by 15 to 30 percent, according to the paper’s estimates; soybean yield losses would be less severe.