Ohio is being bombarded by feral hogs

Aug 11, 2014

Feral, or wild hogs, are causing a big nuisance in Ohio - particularly in the southeastern part of the state.

The problem with feral hogs is that they adapt easily to their surroundings and have been proven to be very destructive. Wild hogs are considered pests. Why? For a variety of reasons including: they have been known to damage and eat farmers’ crops, are capable of spreading 30 known disease and another 37 parasites to livestock, pets and humans. But for pig farmers, there are two diseases that are of particular concern – swine brucellosis and pseudorabies. In general, they are bad news for American farmers, ranchers, land managers and conservations alike.

Ohio isn’t the only state in the America that is having trouble with feral hogs. In fact, wild hog herds are running rampant in the southern U.S. and parts of the West. Feral hog herds have been found thriving in at least 35 states, with a population of more than 5 million. To make matters worse, they are a huge economic strain. They cost the United States about $1.5 a year in damage and control, not to mention the other negative impacts, including threat to crops and livestock.

Currently, there are two U.S. agencies that are tasked with mitigating the damage caused by feral hogs – Wildlife Services (a branch of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service), and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Wildlife. Activities that the agencies engage in include trapping and shooting, with the ultimate goal of reducing feral swine numbers.

Video: Winter Service Inspections for John Deere Equipment - The FarmCast Ep64

The FarmCast, host Troy Randall speaks with Doug Luedke, Vice President of Service, and Davin Peterson, Executive Vice President of Aftermarket at 21st Century Equipment, to discuss the importance of proactive service and how it helps farmers reduce downtime during their busiest seasons. The conversation focuses on the Winter Service Inspection Program, a comprehensive approach designed to keep equipment running at peak performance and limit costly in-season breakdowns through preventative maintenance and expert technician support.

Doug and Devin explain how 21st Century Equipment’s service teams have evolved to meet the needs of today’s connected machines. With more technology and data integrated into modern equipment, technicians now play a vital role in both mechanical repairs and precision ag support. Through advanced diagnostics, machine monitoring, and John Deere’s Expert Alerts, they can identify and address potential issues before they become major problems—saving customers valuable time, money, and frustration.

Throughout the discussion, the team shares real-world success stories demonstrating how proactive inspections and customer-focused service help maximize uptime and efficiency for every operation. Whether it’s a large tractor, combine, or small mower, the goal remains the same: to provide trusted, reliable support that helps farmers and landowners stay productive and confident in their equipment year-round.