May | 2020 |

House Passes PPP Improvement Bill Read More »

On Thursday the House of Representatives passed a bill with several changes to the Paycheck Protection Program. Some of the highlights included in the final product: Stretches the previous 8-week period to 24 weeks The restriction limiting non-payroll expenses eligible for forgiveness …

Rainfall Not Only Factor That Determines Wheat Yields

Rainfall Not Only Factor That Determines Wheat Yields Read More »

Many wheat growers will say it’s rainfall that determines a good crop with high yields from not so strong years. But is that true? Cat Salois, director of Research and Technology with The McGregor Company, says recent work conducted in …

Floods are A Growing Concern

Floods are A Growing Concern Read More »

Flooding in recent years, especially in eastern parts of North and South Carolina, has been more prevalent and disruptive to agriculture on many levels. And with two named storms already passing over the area, 2020 is shaping up to be …

Wet Fields Slowing Planting and Harvesting

Mike Davis talks with climatologist Corey Davis about the two tropical systems that have hit the Carolinas in the past week and a half, leaving soaked fields and rotting berries behind.

The Economic Perspective: “Will Our Priorities Change?”

The Economic Perspective: “Will Our Priorities Change?” Read More »

Mary: I’m Mary Walden, with economist MW, welcoming you to the economic perspective. Today’s program asks if our priorities will change. Mike, the coronavirus has upended everything in our society and economy. Experts say almost everything about our lives will …

USDA Funding Rural Water and Wastewater Improvements

USDA Funding Rural Water and Wastewater Improvements Read More »

USDA is investing $281 million to improve rural water and wastewater infrastructure in 36 states and territories, including North Carolina and South Carolina. In North Carolina, $93,000 in loans and $607,000 in grants will be used to construct a sewer …

H-2A Positions Increase Fivefold Since 2005

H-2A Positions Increase Fivefold Since 2005 Read More »

The number of H-2A workers increased fivefold between 2005 and 2019, according to a report from USDA. Calling the data an indicator of the scarcity of farm labor, USDA’s Economic Research Service says the number of H-2A positions requested and …

First Arthur, now Bertha: Atlantic Hurricane Season off to a Fast Start

With hurricane season getting a head start with tropical storms Arthur and Bertha, what is the expected outlook for such activity in both the Atlantic and Pacific Basins? Rod Bain reports.

Farmers Seeking Change to PPP