The federal government is injecting millions of dollars into coordinated efforts to combat feral hogs across the United States, with researchers finding that a recently revived federal grant program has successfully slashed crop damage in targeted regions. According to the U.S.
Feral Hog Population Growth and Property Damage
Feral swine populations pose a massive economic and environmental threat because they breed year-round. According to the U.S. Each female can produce up to two litters annually, with four to 12 piglets per litter, allowing populations to potentially double in just four months.
Beyond destroying at least $800 million in crops each year, feral hogs damage vital farm infrastructure such as fences and roads, spread disease to livestock, wreck recreational parks, and cause extensive environmental degradation to wildlife habitats, water quality, and plant ecosystems. Controlling them remains notoriously difficult because the animals roam across large areas of privately owned land. Basic economic theory suggests individual landowners will wait for their neighbors to spend the time and money required to eradicate the pests, leading to inaction and compounding problems, as noted in research from the University of Tennessee and the University of Arkansas.
Did you know? Feral hog populations can double in just four months due to their ability to breed year-round and produce multiple large litters annually.
Evaluating the 2018 Farm Bill Eradication Pilot
To break the cycle of landowner inaction, Congress allocated $75 million in the 2018 Farm Bill to encourage private landowners to cooperate in killing feral hogs. Administered by the U.S.
Agricultural economists at the University of Tennessee and the University of Arkansas examined the program’s performance by comparing federal crop insurance claims. They found that in counties where the program was inactive, wildlife damage to corn averaged 70 acres (17.5 hectares) per policy. In contrast, counties with coordinated hog eradication efforts saw average claims for cornfield damage drop to just 10 acres per policy. However, researchers found no statistically significant differences in crop insurance claims for soybeans, wheat, cotton, and peanuts between participating and non-participating counties.
Future Funding and Expansion of Wild Pig Control
Lawmakers are substantially increasing financial support for the initiative. Although the pilot program was originally slated to end in 2023, a major budget and immigration package passed by Congress in July 2025 provided an additional $105 million to run through 2029. The government began accepting grant applications for the first $35 million allocation from that funding through September 21, 2026. Furthermore, a new Farm Bill that passed the House and awaits debate in the Senate would inject another $150 million and extend the eradication effort through 2031.
Researchers suggest that future investments could yield higher returns by focusing specifically on corn-producing counties, since corn is the crop most commonly damaged by feral swine. Expanding public outreach will also be crucial. The initial pilot launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, which restricted community meetings and limited landowner participation. Economists note that while complete eradication is nearly impossible, targeted funding and sustained community cooperation can significantly mitigate the agricultural damage caused by wild pigs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many feral hogs are in the United States?
According to U.S.
How much financial damage do feral hogs cause annually?
The U.S.
Which crops benefit the most from federal feral hog control programs?
University researchers analyzing the 2018 Farm Bill pilot found a statistically significant reduction in damage specifically for cornfields, where average insurance claims dropped from 70 acres per policy down to 10 acres in active counties.
Is the federal feral hog program still receiving funding?
Yes. After receiving an extension through 2029 with $105 million in the July 2025 federal budget package, pending Farm Bill legislation moving through Congress would add another $150 million and extend the initiative through 2031.
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