News

Jun 10, 2011

YOU DECIDE: What's holding back the economy?

Spring brought us hot temperatures and a cool economy. Mike Walden evaluates the chances for a robust economic recovery and better job growth. 

Jun 10, 2011

Renting makes a comeback

Owning a home has long been a part of the American dream, but, of course, home buying has gone through a tremendous financial upheaval in recent years. As a result, are we seeing this part of the American dream change? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Jun 9, 2011

Private and public jobs

We’ve had fairly good job reports in both the nation and North Carolina during the past couple of months. However, one big negative sticks out -- the decline in public-sector jobs. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains what's going on. 

Jun 8, 2011

N.C. Hay Field Day set for July 19

The latest technology and research related to hay production will be the topic of an N.C. State University field day July 19 at the Mountain Research Station in Waynesville. 

Jun 8, 2011

Look for gas prices to drop

Gas prices have begun to fall. Why? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains. 

Jun 7, 2011

Bertie County farmer: Investment in Extension and research yields big-bang gains

Colerain farmer and agribusiness owner Norman Perry is not a fan of what he calls big government. But when it comes to public funding for North Carolina agricultural research and extension, he’s sold. The money that goes to North Carolina Cooperative Extension and the North Carolina Agricultural Research Service “is some of the best bang-for-the-buck money that you can achieve,” he said. 

Jun 7, 2011

Where do we stand?

Whenever a North Carolina budget is passed, it looks like a reduction in the state corporate income tax rate will be a part of it. Is the move to reduce this tax rate because we are far out of line with other states? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Jun 6, 2011

A widening income gap

A new report indicates that the income gap between the highest paid and the lowest paid workers has again increased. N.C. State University economist explains why and what it means. "Actually ... this was an international report and looked not 

Jun 3, 2011

Manufacturing sets a new high

There are signs manufacturing is making a comeback. Employment is up, and many factories are running at full capacity. On top of this good news, says N.C. State University economist Mike Walden, U.S. manufacturing has set a new record. 

Jun 2, 2011

Extension-recommended narrow row corn brings higher yields for Pasquotank farmer

Pasquotank County farmer Michael Gray vividly remembers the first time he thought about planting his corn crop in narrower rows and at higher densities. It was during a farm tour in a nearby county, where N.C. State University crop science specialist Ron Heiniger had established a row width and plant population test.