The federal government is stepping up its battle against feral hogs, with millions of dollars being invested in control and eradication efforts. These invasive species, which roam across 35 states, pose a significant threat to agriculture, the environment, and public health. Recent research indicates that a revived federal program could be the key to bringing these destructive pests under control.
Feral hogs, also known as wild pigs, are notorious for their rapid reproduction and destructive behavior. With the ability to produce up to two litters of four to 12 piglets per year, their populations can double in just four months. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates that these animals cause between $2.5 billion and $3.4 billion in property damage annually, with at least $800 million of that attributed to crop destruction.
Initial Federal Intervention and Its Impact
The 2018 Farm Bill marked a significant turning point in the fight against feral hogs. Congress allocated $75 million to encourage private landowners to collaborate in eradicating these pests. This program, active in selected counties across 10 states, provided funding for trapping equipment, on-farm trapping efforts, and land restoration. Initially set to end in 2026, the program received an additional $105 million through 2029 as part of the major budget and immigration package passed in July 2026.
Researchers from the University of Tennessee and the University of Arkansas evaluated the program’s effectiveness by comparing crop insurance claims in counties where the program was active against those where it was not. The results were promising: counties with coordinated hog eradication efforts saw a significant reduction in cornfield damage, with average claims dropping from 70 acres to just 10 acres per policy. However, no significant differences were observed in claims for soybeans, wheat, cotton, and peanuts.
The Role of Senator Katie Britt and Future Prospects
Senator Katie Britt of Alabama has been a vocal advocate for the Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program. In a recent announcement, she celebrated the USDA’s release of $35 million for partnerships aimed at combating feral swine. This funding is part of a broader $105 million investment included in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, which Britt championed.
“Alabama farmers and cattlemen know firsthand the havoc these invasive species wreak on their farms, inflicting billions of dollars in damage nationally and directly endangering their livelihoods,” Britt stated. “I was proud to champion the Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program in the Working Family Tax Cuts Act to respond to this threat, and I’m encouraged to see USDA put this investment to work.”
The program aims to provide assistance to landowners for restoration and on-farm trapping efforts, as well as related services such as training. The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service will work with state partners to combat what Britt’s office described as “one of the most devastating pests in agriculture.”
Challenges and Future Directions
Despite the program’s success in reducing cornfield damage, several challenges remain. The initial launch during the COVID-19 pandemic limited community meetings and public outreach, which could have boosted landowner participation. Additionally, the pilot nature of the program may have made some landowners hesitant to commit fully.
Looking ahead, researchers suggest that focusing efforts specifically on corn-producing counties could yield more success per dollar invested. Expanding participation through additional outreach efforts could also mean more hogs are caught or killed across a wider area, amplifying the return on investment. While complete eradication of feral hogs remains a daunting task, the data suggests that with the right design and sustained investment, the federal government has a program that can make a real difference for America’s farmers.
