Feral Swine Eradication and Control Program
Codified as a permanent program. Total funding increased to $150M for FY2025–FY2031. NRCS/APHIS funding split adjusted to 40/60. Land-grant universities now required partners.
What it does
The Feral Swine Eradication and Control Program addresses damage to agricultural land and natural resources from feral swine, invasive populations of wild hogs that cause an estimated $2.5 billion in annual damage to U.S. agriculture.
The program funds:
- Research on the extent of damage
- Development of eradication and control measures
- Restoration methods for affected land
- Cost-share assistance for agricultural producers (up to 75% of eradication costs)
What changed in the Farm Bill 2.0
1. Codified as a permanent program
Previously a pilot, the program is now codified as permanent. Pilot status had created uncertainty about long-term funding and authority.
2. Increased total funding
Total funding for FY2025–FY2031 increased to $150 million (up from $105M previously).
3. NRCS/APHIS funding split changed
Previously funding was split 50/50 between NRCS and APHIS. The Farm Bill 2.0 changes the split to:
- 40% NRCS (cost-share assistance to producers)
- 60% APHIS (eradication operations, research)
4. Land-grant universities required
NRCS and APHIS must now contract with one or more land-grant universities to assist with the program.
5. Administrative cap maintained
Administrative expenses still limited to no more than 10% of program funding.
Where the problem is worst
Feral swine are concentrated in the South and parts of the Midwest. Top affected states:
- Texas (largest population)
- Florida
- California
- Georgia
- Alabama
- Mississippi
- Louisiana
- Oklahoma
Recent expansion has affected northern states: Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa.
Who it matters for
- Producers in affected regions: eligible for eradication cost-share
- Land-grant universities: new required research and outreach role
- APHIS field operations: increased funding share
- Wildlife management agencies: coordinated eradication