New funding helps protect farms livestock and natural resources
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is making $35 million available to support partnerships that address the growing threat of feral swine across the country. The funding will help reduce damage to farms, ranches, natural landscapes, and protect both human and livestock health.
"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."
The investment is part of the Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program, a joint effort between USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). The program is receiving a total of $105 million over the next five years through support provided under the Working Families Tax Cuts Act.
Feral swine are considered one of the most destructive invasive species in the United States. USDA estimates they cause more than $3.4 billion in damage each year by harming crops, farmland, wildlife habitats, soil, and water resources. They can also spread diseases that affect livestock and people.
The new funding opportunity is available for projects in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.
Selected partners will work with landowners to restore damaged areas and reduce feral swine populations through on-farm trapping efforts and other management activities. Funding can also be used for training programs and educational services that help landowners learn effective control methods.
All projects will be coordinated among NRCS, APHIS, and participating partners to ensure a collaborative approach to feral swine management.
Applications for the funding opportunity will be accepted until Sept. 21, 2026.
The program has already shown strong results. From 2020 through 2024, USDA invested $41 million in 34 projects across 12 states. Those projects assisted more than 6,700 landowners and covered nearly 9 million acres of land. More than 800 training events were also held to teach landowners effective trapping techniques.
USDA expects the new funding to build on those successes and help strengthen the long-term health and resilience of agricultural operations.
Photo Credit: usda