Source: Fortune
Summary
The U.S. government is investing millions to control feral hogs, which cause billions in damage annually. A 2018 Farm Bill funded a pilot program to help landowners trap and reduce hog populations. A new study found that in counties with the program, cornfield damage from hogs decreased significantly. However, no impact was seen on other crops. The program faced challenges, including limited participation and the disruption of the pandemic. Researchers suggest improvements, like focusing on corn-producing areas and increasing outreach.
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The numbers tell one story.
The program reduced corn damage by 85% in participating counties.
Other crops showed no improvement.
Pandemic restrictions and short-term funding limited participation.
The program could be more effective with more focus and outreach.
Controlling feral hogs is a group effort, but the federal government is still figuring out the right mix of incentives and coordination.
Author: Evan Null
An initial test
The 2018 Farm Bill allocated $75 million to help landowners control feral hogs. The program was active in 10 states and included trapping, equipment purchases, and land restoration. In 2025, an additional $105 million was approved, extending the program through 2029. The first $35 million in grants is now being distributed. A new Farm Bill would add $150 million and extend the program through 2031. The goal is to reduce the damage caused by feral hogs, which cost the country billions annually.
Reducing hogs’ damage to cornfields
A study by agricultural economists found that in counties where the program was active, crop insurance claims for corn damage dropped from 70 acres per policy to 10. This was a statistically significant reduction. However, no impact was seen on other crops like soybeans, wheat, cotton, and peanuts. The researchers suggest that corn is the most commonly damaged crop, which may explain the results. The study also noted that the program’s effectiveness was limited by the pandemic and the pilot nature of the initiative.
A way forward
The study suggests that the program could be more effective with better targeting and outreach. Focusing on corn-producing counties may yield better results per dollar invested. Expanding participation through more public engagement could lead to more hogs being caught or killed. The researchers also noted that the study may have underestimated the program’s benefits, as some damage is not severe enough to trigger insurance claims. The program is not a complete solution, but with the right design and sustained investment, it could make a real difference for farmers.
The scale of the problem
Feral hogs are a widespread issue, found in 35 states. Their population is growing rapidly, with each sow producing up to 12 piglets per litter. The USDA estimates that feral hogs cause between $2.5 billion and $3.4 billion in damage annually. This includes crop destruction, property damage, and environmental harm. The hogs also spread disease to livestock and damage infrastructure. Controlling them is difficult because they move across private land, and landowners often act as free riders, waiting for others to take action.
Challenges and limitations
The pilot program faced several challenges, including limited participation and the disruption caused by the pandemic. Many landowners were hesitant to commit to a short-term initiative. The program’s effectiveness was also constrained by the fact that it was a pilot, which made some hesitant to invest. Additionally, the study did not account for all types of damage, such as to property, livestock, and the environment. Despite these limitations, the program showed promise, particularly in reducing corn damage. With more funding and better coordination, it could be more effective in the future.
