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Auburn University professor says quick actions needed to control, eradicate wild pigs

Wild pigs cause significant damage to crops and the environment each year and can pose risks to native wildlife, livestock and human health and safety.  Professor Mark Smith of Auburn University’s College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System said control and eradication measures need to be implemented immediately once wild pigs appear on a landowner’s property.

In 2018, Smith was appointed as a fellow by The Wildlife Society in recognition of his exceptional service to the profession. His specialty areas are wild pig damage management, game and nongame population and habitat management.

Q: Where are wild pigs most prevalent in North America? In Alabama?
Mark Smith: Wild pigs are a non-native species in North America. Free-ranging populations of wild pigs can be found in about 35 states and southern portions of Canada. They are most prevalent in the southeastern United States and California, with smaller, localized populations in other states. Wild pigs can be found throughout most of Alabama, with the greatest abundance in the southern half of the state. In the more northern counties of Alabama, wild pigs occur in smaller localized pockets all the way up to the Tennessee border. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has a good map showing wild pig locations across the U.S.

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Shearing Delay Leads To Kingston 4H Sheep Show!

Video: Shearing Delay Leads To Kingston 4H Sheep Show!

What started as a disappointment turned into a day full of surprises, fun, and celebration as we leave Ewetopia Farms behind and head out to the Kingston Fair to watch the 4H sheep show

Today’s vlog was supposed to be another sheep shearing day here at Ewetopia Farms, but when our shearer had to cancel, we suddenly found ourselves with an unexpected free day. Lucky for us, the Kingston Fair was happening — and some of our own sheep (and friends) were competing!

We brought along our shearing helper and headed to the fairgrounds to cheer on the 4H kids and see how our sheep did in the show. From last-minute preparations and sheep showmanship to market lamb competitions and ewe classes, we take you behind the scenes of what it’s really like at a country fair.

We couldn’t be prouder — our girls walked away with wins in both showmanship and breeding ewe classes! Afterwards, we toured the fair, met a beekeeper with fascinating insights, admired other livestock shows, and wrapped up the evening with motocross stunts and a demolition derby!

Sometimes farm life throws curveballs — but today, it gave us the chance to celebrate community, our sheep, and the next generation of shepherds.