Author: Dee Shore

Mar 29, 2011

Big oil producers

Oil is in the news again with the continued price hikes we are seeing. Much of the concern now focuses on supply amid the turmoil in the Middle East. This leads to a simple yet important question: Just who are the largest oil producers in the world? N.C State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Mar 28, 2011

Population gains

The U.S. Census released population numbers for North Carolina for the last decade (2000-2010). N.C. State University economist Mike Walden describes the highlights. 

Mar 25, 2011

Finally some good job news

Job creation in the country has been disappointing. But many economists thought this would change at least temporarily in February after the winter storms passed. Where they right? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers. 

Mar 24, 2011

Nursery collaborates with N.C. State to solve production challenges

From its greenhouses and farm in Rougemont, Hoffman Nursery sells ornamental and native grass liners -- or starter plants -- wholesale to customers all across the United States and Canada. But when the company’s owners need solutions to production problems, they frequently look much closer to home -- to the agricultural research and Extension experts at N.C. State University. 

Mar 24, 2011

More job confusion

Job data appear to be diverging: One recent job survey showed only a trickle of new jobs, while another survey showed thousands of additional jobs created. What’s the person on the street to think? Is the job market good or bad? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Mar 23, 2011

Will workers get a pay raise this year?

With unemployment so high workers have just felt lucky to have a job. They haven’t really focused on pay raises. But now with the economy coming back and unemployment being down slightly, will there be a little bit more in paychecks? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Mar 22, 2011

Will foreclosures back off?

Having one’s home foreclosed on has to be one of the world’s worst financial traumas ever. Yet this is exactly what has happened to millions of homeowners in the last… 

Mar 21, 2011

Rising mortgage interest rates

Recently 30-year fixed mortgage interest rates hit 5 percent. This rate is up almost 1 percentage point in the last couple of months. But N.C. State University economist Mike Walden doesn't think this rate hike signals an end to low-cost financing of homes. 

Mar 18, 2011

Worldwide inflation

Inflation in the United States has begun to creep higher but is still in the 2 percent range. However, inflation in countries such as China, India and Brazil is significantly higher -- in the 4 to 6 percent range. Does this mean we should be smiling rather than complaining? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Mar 17, 2011

Anson County farmer starts with Extension to get on award-winning track

Bryan Cash is justifiably proud of his cattle herd in Anson County. When he bought his first cows more than a decade ago, he knew very little about what it took to raise them. But now, the award-winning farmer has a herd of close to 70 healthy cows, plus 42 calves that are thriving. “Everything that you see out there today, I wanted it, and I did it, but without my Extension agent Richard Melton, (the farm) wouldn’t be where it is today,” Cash says.