News

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

Cooperative Extension, University Dining to offer 'Cook Smart'

University Dining and North Carolina Cooperative Extension will partner to offer Cook Smart, Eat Smart to N.C. State students this fall. The partnership will provide students with an opportunity to learn healthy cooking techniques. 

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

YOU DECIDE: What can we learn from foreign economics?

Can we in the United States benefit from observing and understanding successful economic strategies in other countries? Mike Walden discusses. 

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

State FFA officers elected at Raleigh Convention

Four FFA members were elected state officers at the 2011-2012 State FFA Convention held at the Raleigh Convention Center June 21-23. New officers are State President John Stewart of Knightdale; State Vice President Caroline Tart of Goldsboro; State Vice President Beverly Hampton of Mount Ulla; State Vice President Katie Cauthen of Mount Pleasant; State Vice President Hannah Russell of Asheboro; and State Vice President Alyssa Ramsey of Marshall. 

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.