News

Aug 12, 2010

Why can’t economists agree?

Everyone is looking for answers to today’s economic situation. Policy makers often turn to economists for advice on what to do, but economists don’t always give the same answer. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains why. 

Aug 11, 2010

Horticulture students learn through PLANET

For 20 years, N.C. State University horticultural science students have made a strong showing at a national landscape industry competition – PLANET student competitions -- and along the way they’ve raised nearly half a million dollars to support their travels. 

Aug 11, 2010

Youth participate in Junior Dairy Show

Each year, N.C. Cooperative Extension conducts the Junior Dairy Show at sites around the state. The show held in Guilford County Aug. 3-4 included participants from surrounding counties. The dairy show was organized by Extension Dairy Agent Marti Day. To see images from the show, visit Debbie Roos's Growing Small Farms site. 

Aug 11, 2010

Centennial Campus Middle School students create a floating display at the Lonnie Poole Golf Course

Lily Stell couldn’t wait to get her hands dirty during one of her science classes last May. With other eighth-grade students from Centennial Campus Magnet Middle School, Stell helped to build a “floating island” on the Lonnie Poole Golf Course at N.C. State University. “It was an awesome experience,” she said. 

Aug 11, 2010

Color commentary

Faculty voices paint picture of the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering's 75-year impact. 

Aug 11, 2010

Are home prices still too high?

Some economists see the direction of home prices as a key factor for the fledgling economic recovery. The big question both sellers and buyers want to know is with prices down almost 30 percent over the past three years, have they reached the bottom yet? Dr. Mike Walden, North Carolina Cooperative Extension economist in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at N.C. State University, weighs in. 

Aug 10, 2010

Is debt a problem for everyone?

Economists have pointed out that American households took on substantial debt over the past 30 years. Many households are now scrambling to pay down on debt, and this is one reason why consumer spending has been slow. But do all households have to worry about debt? Dr. Mike Walden, North Carolina Cooperative Extension economist in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at N.C. State University, responds. 

Aug 10, 2010

N.C. State workshop explores new technologies for re-using water and increasing water supply

A North Carolina State University workshop focusing on how local, state and regional businesses and communities can recycle and re-use water to save money and replenish the local water supply will be held Aug. 24-26 in Greensboro. 

Aug 9, 2010

Not your mom’s 4-H

In July, N.C. Cooperative Extension and 4-H worked with Trading Spaces designer Edward Walker to develop a green design competition for 4-H’ers interested in fashion and interior design, encouraging their ambition while helping to change public perception of 4-H – an organization that does so much more than livestock exhibitions and canning competitions. 

Aug 9, 2010

Social Security payouts

Many people think of Social Security as almost a bank account: You put your money in while working, earn some interest and then withdraw the funds when you are retired. But is that the way Social Security operates? NCSU's Dr. Mike Walden responds.