News

Jan 20, 2016

Conference addresses challenges of growing hops in the South Atlantic region

The success of the craft beer industry and interest in using locally grown ingredients has encouraged an adventuresome group of farmers in the South Atlantic region to try their hands at growing hops, but the climate here is challenging. An upcoming conference will bring experts from across the country to advise the young industry. 

Jan 19, 2016

First study of arthropods in US homes finds huge biodiversity

The first study to evaluate the biodiversity of arthropods in U.S. homes finds that humans share their houses with any of more than 500 different kinds of arthropods — at least on a short-term basis. North Carolina State University Extension entomologist Dr. Matt Bertone is the study's lead author. 

Jan 18, 2016

Agribusiness and economic development

Although North Carolina's economy is expanding, economic growth is not occurring at the same rate in all parts of the state. Indeed, in many of our rural and small town regions, economic development is a big challenge. Can agribusiness help? NC State University economist Mike Walden answers. 

Jan 14, 2016

You Decide: Should North Carolina borrow to build?

North Carolinians are being asked to consider a big mortgage for the state. Totaling $2 billion, the mortgage would allow the state to build a variety of projects, including university and community college facilities, water and sewer infrastructure and recreational offerings. There are two key questions for voters to ponder: First, is mortgage financing appropriate? Second, are the projects worthy? 

Jan 11, 2016

Pardue named dean at University of Georgia

Dr. Samuel Pardue, associate dean and director of academic programs for NC State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, has been named the new dean and director of the University of Georgia's College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. 

Jan 11, 2016

Using bonds for public projects

North Carolina voters will soon make decisions on giving the state authority to issue bonds for educational facilities and other projects. NC State University economist Mike Walden explains what bonds are and how they work. 

Jan 10, 2016

Economist paints positive economic picture for North Carolina in 2016

One of the state’s leading economists paints an upbeat picture for North Carolina in 2016. In his latest quarterly outlook report, released this week, NC State University’s Mike Walden predicts that the state’s economy will continue to outperform the nation, generating more income and more jobs. 

Jan 4, 2016

How much do workers value future benefits?

Many workers are paid in two ways: They get a periodic salary as well as benefits such as vacation time, health insurance and retirement contributions. How do workers compare the value of today's salary versus the value of tomorrow's benefits? NC State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Dec 30, 2015

You decide: Will the economy improve in 2016?

This is the time of year when economists shine – or at least they try to. The early weeks of a new year are always the period when College of Agriculture and Life Sciences economist Mike Walden receives the largest number of speaking requests. "Even if people know my colleagues and I have cloudy – some say foggy with hot air (!) – crystal balls, they still want to know what we’re thinking about the future," he writes in his latest You Decide column. 

Dec 28, 2015

Should we fear deflation?

Several countries have been experiencing deflation. This means that prices, on average, have been falling. In the United States, there has been aversion to deflation, because it evokes the image of falling prices and falling wages from both depressions and recessions. Should we try to avoid it? NC State University economist Mike Walden answers.