Author: Dee Shore

Jul 13, 2011

A pause or a dip?

The economic numbers recently haven’t been good. Job growth has sputtered. Home prices are still falling. And consumers are feeling less confident. About the only good news is that gas prices have backed off some, although they’re still well above $3 a gallon. Some fear we could be headed into another recession. Listen to what N.C. State University economist Mike Walden has to say. 

Jul 12, 2011

Peach workshop to be held July 19

A workshop designed to provide peach growers with information ranging from pre-plant considerations through harvest will take place July 19 at the Sandhills Research Station in Jackson Springs. 

Jul 12, 2011

A return to ARMs

Financing the purchase of a home has become much more of a challenge today than it was 5 or 10 years ago. But one element of this process seems to be coming back around, and that’s the use of ARMs, or adjustable rate mortgages. Is this a good thing? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Jul 11, 2011

New use for N.C. sweet potatoes: Dried products for pet food, animal feed

North Carolina is the leading state when it comes to producing both sweet potatoes and tobacco, and a new N.C. State University research project is designed to build on both strengths to create new markets for farmers. The Sweet Potato Dehydration Project is exploring ways to use tobacco-curing barns to dry sweet potatoes for use in pet food and animal feed. 

Jul 11, 2011

We’ve been here before

No one’s happy about the slow rate of progress in the job market. Although jobs have been added and the unemployment rate has dropped in the last year, the numbers are still not back to where they were before the recession. Is this the worst jobs recovery in recent memory? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers. 

Jul 8, 2011

Dueling studies

In debates about the impact of the state budget, studies are often provided measuring the impact on jobs as a result of various policies. For example, one study might show how many jobs might be kept if spending in a particular program is maintained, while another might show job creation if certain taxes are reduced. N.C. Cooperative Extension economist Mike Walden discusses ways the average person can judge these various studies. 

Jul 7, 2011

Turfgrass Field Day takes place Aug. 10

The latest research related to turfgrass will be the focus of an N.C. State University field day set for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 10, in Raleigh. 

Jul 7, 2011

North Carolina’s economic recovery

One of the most watched economic barometers is something called the gross domestic product -- or the value of everything produced in an economy. We now have this measure for all states for 2010. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains what it shows for North Carolina. 

Jul 6, 2011

Energy use

When it comes to energy and especially oil, we’re in a world market. This means changes in purchases of oil by other countries can impact the price we pay. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden gives examples of how this global market has impacted all of us. 

Jul 5, 2011

Behnke wins national eXtension award

Dr. Andrew Behnke recently won the national 2011 eXtension Community of Practice Achievement Award. He was cited for his "technological innovation and extraordinary inclusiveness and generosity in sharing his skills and resources at the local, state and national levels."