By Jamie Martin
USDA has announced a new $35 million funding opportunity to support projects aimed at controlling feral swine populations in key agricultural regions of the United States.
The funding is part of the Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program, a cooperative effort between the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). Together, the agencies are working to reduce the widespread damage caused by feral swine and improve protection for working agricultural lands.
"We are collaborating with our partners at USDA and across the country to help combat feral swine and keep our farms, ranches and landscapes safe," said NRCS Chief Colton Buckley. "These invasive species cause more than $3.4 billion in damage each year, including damage to agricultural landscapes. Thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, NRCS is able to expand this effort, giving producers and partners more resources to protect working lands and strengthen the long-term resilience of agricultural operations."
Feral swine continues to be a major concern for farmers and rural communities. These invasive animals damage crops, pastureland, wildlife habitat, soil, and water resources. They can also carry diseases that pose risks to livestock and humans. USDA estimates the annual cost of feral swine damage at more than $3.4 billion.
The current funding announcement is part of a broader $105 million investment that will support the program for another five years. Eligible projects can be proposed in 14 states, including Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.
Organizations selected through the application process will help landowners implement trapping programs, restore damaged areas, and provide training and technical support. Funding will be distributed through grant agreements managed by NRCS.
The projects will be carried out through partnerships involving local organizations, NRCS, and APHIS, ensuring a coordinated strategy for feral swine control.
Applications must be submitted by Sept. 21, 2026.
Previous program investments delivered measurable results. Between 2020 and 2024, USDA supported 34 projects in 12 states with $41 million in funding. These efforts reached more than 6,700 landowners, covered nearly 9 million acres, and included more than 800 educational events focused on trapping and management techniques.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National