Our state’s population has been growing, but unevenly.  Some areas of the state are rapidly adding people, while others are actually losing people.  Give us a summary of these changes. NC now has 10.3 million people, up over 700,000 since …

Economist Mike Walden: North Carolina’s Population Growth Read More »

Hello everybody out there in farm country. This radio commentary is brought to you by the National Corn Growers Association, CropLife America, and Renewable Fuels Association. They are all friends, supporters, and allies of healthy farm economy and prosperous rural …

John Block: Labor Day Read More »

The tit-for-tat trade war with China means a lower forecast for the value of U.S. beef and pork exports next year. The Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service said in its latest quarterly Situation and Outlook Report released this week …

Beef and Pork Export Values Expected to Soften in 2019 Read More »

Major differences remain between the House and Senate bills that the conference committee will address next week. Congress returns next week with 16 days in-session scheduled for the Senate in September, and 11 in-session days in the House of Representatives. …

Farm Bill Differences Remain Leading to Conference Next Week Read More »

Companies targeted by Senator Bernie Sanders are firing back, saying his statements regarding food stamps were inaccurate. Sanders plans to introduce legislation that would require large companies, including Amazon, Walmart, and others, to pay a 100 percent tax on government …

Companies Targeted by Sanders Fire Back Read More »

Year-round E15 sales are nearing reality. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue told reporters in Boone, Iowa at the Farm Progress Show that he has spoken with the President, who wants to make an announcement next week. Trump told Perdue, “Let’s get …

Administration on E15: “Let’s Get it Done” Read More »

People hear that companies are hiring and that the job market is hot, but those seeking jobs want to know specifics.  So in what parts of the economy is hiring the best? First, data show there is hiring in all …

Economist Mike Walden: Where Are the Jobs? Read More »