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You Decide: Should You Be Smiling or Frowning at 2026?

Author: Staff

Economist Mike Walden

Feb 6, 2026

You Decide: What’s the Best Tax?

NC State economist Mike Walden delves into all things taxes, weighing whether some are better than others, which carry the most burden for taxpayers and what kind of tax is best. 
small pepper plants in containers in front of a pole barn and parked tractor

Feb 4, 2026

NC State Faculty Receive Ag Research Grants to Grow North Carolina Agriculture

The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has awarded grants to 11 NC State University researchers that support a range of agricultural projects to boost new crop production and innovative solutions that advance the state’s agricultural economy. 
Economist Mike Walden

Jan 23, 2026

You Decide: Can the Beat Go On?

Economist Mike Walden explores how North Carolina can balance the benefits of being the No. 1 state in economic development against the downsides of being the No. 1 state in economic growth. 

Jan 22, 2026

Meet the Superhero Farm Robots in Training

NC State students and researchers are creating robotic field hands that could help grow and harvest your next salad. 
a woman wearing a black shirt that says Butterball stands in front of a royal blue wall with wording on it that says "We exist to help people pass love on."

Jan 14, 2026

Cooking Up a Food Science Career at Butterball 

Thanks to a broad range of hands-on experience during her time with CALS, alumna Lottie Pate has turned her passion for food science into a career at Butterball. 
Economist Mike Walden

Jan 9, 2026

You Decide: Can We Repeat the Success of the 1990s?

Economist Mike Walden discusses the economically 'perfect decade' of the 1990s and whether a similar stretch of economic prosperity could be re-created today. 
Economist Mike Walden

Dec 26, 2025

You Decide: Which Kevin Will Win?

NC State economist Mike Walden looks ahead to a potential change in leadership for the Federal Reserve and what that could mean for economic policy. 
a close up image of pink piglets

Dec 16, 2025

Feeding Curiosity for Better Swine Nutrition

Research assistant Alexa Gormley, who is pursuing a Ph.D. in animal science, is investigating the impact of nutritional interventions on the intestinal health of newly weaned pigs in the hopes of improving the transition of young swine from milk to feed. 
solar powered cameras in a soybean field

Dec 15, 2025

NC Agricultural Analytics Platform Supports Data-Driven Farming

From helping improve crop yield and profitability to supporting farmers with best management practices, the N.C. Agricultural Analytics Platform is shaping the future of agriculture. 
Economist Mike Walden

Dec 12, 2025

You Decide: Should You Be Smiling or Frowning at 2026?

The economic future often seems murky and tangled when forecasting the next year. NC State economist Mike Walden highlights factors that could shape early trends in 2026.