perl array indexes start at 0, so are you sure you're looking at the right field? maybe 24 instead?

Try printing $notefield to see what it contains, and when you have a moment read Basic debugging checklist for tips on how to work out why any code isn't working.

A tip, you don't have to copy the $row to get at the fields, you can just use my $note = $row->[24]; see perlreftut