North West Feral Pig Program
The North West Local Land Services region has an abundance of prime habitat for feral pigs resulting in the priority pest species being widespread & abundant.
They pose a significant threat to the environment, native wildlife and production industries. Feral pigs can carry a number of zoonotic diseases, including Brucella suis infection, leptospirosis and Q fever.
To further explore the impact of feral pigs on production systems in the North West, local company Ag Econ have conducted an economic impact analysis. The full report is available to download PDF, 1352.44 KB, as well as a summary fact sheet.
Further to this, AgEcon have calculated the net benefit of feral pig control for a number of commodities, such as sorghum, cotton and maize. The study also evaluated the net benefit of recognised control methods.
Local Land Services (LLS) is currently delivering the 2023-2024 $13 million Feral Pig Program on behalf of the NSW Government in response to widespread growth in the number of feral pigs across NSW. This program aims to reduce feral pig populations and their impact across the state through increased coordinated support and broadscale control programs, using the latest technologies.
2020/2021 seasonal impacts of feral pigs in the North West LLS region
Following on from research into the economic impacts of feral pigs, AgEcon have completed a report on the actual economic impacts of feral pigs on North West agricultural industries over the summer 2020/2021 and winter 2021 cropping periods. The results are astounding. During this period, feral pigs have caused an estimated $47million in lost agricultural production, just in the North West LLS region alone.
Unsurprisingly, feral pig populations are increasing after being impacted by drought conditions. With good rainfall, comes an increased abundance of feed and water supplies critical for feral pig repopulation. Surveys of North West LLS producers have shown that feral pig impacts are widespread and are impacting significantly on sheep production systems as well as cropping enterprises.
You can read the full report here.
Here is a flyer that has been produced to highlight the key findings of the report.
These surveys will be ongoing over the next couple of years to see the trends. If you would like to be involved, please contact AgEcon.
If you'd like to discuss more about the program or would like to look at control options for feral pigs on your property, contact your closest North West Local Land Services Biosecurity Officer by phoning 1300 795 299.
Resources
How much could you have saved if you implemented feral pig control for your crop? Check out the following factsheets to find out more information on the following topics:
- trapping
- exclusion fencing
- aerial shooting
- baiting
- cotton
- maize
- sorghum
- wheat and barley
- faba beans
- chickpeas
- Sheep.
Webinar
Janine Powell from AgEcon joined Senior Biosecurity Officer David Lindsay for a webinar to discuss the findings of the report.
You can catch up on the webinar below:
Podcast
How much damage are feral pigs doing to your hip pocket? And what's the most cost-effective control method?
It's no secret feral pigs are a concern for farmers and graziers. So in 2020, Ag Econ started investigating the economic impact of feral pigs on crops and stock as well as the economic benefit of feral pig control.
The study focused on nine key agricultural enterprises in North West NSW, considering five different control methods and found the net benefit of control could be up to $100/ ha. In this episode, you'll hear from farmers about their general experiences with feral pigs and then from Ag Econ economists and North West farmers Jon Welsh and Janine Powell about their feral pig findings from the North West Local Land Services study.'
Listen below:
What's next?
AgEcon are leading a survey, head to their website or follow their Facebook page for survey opportunities.
To assist Landholders in the North West Local Land Services region, 1080 feral pig bait is currently fully subsidised. We also have a small number of feral pig traps available for Landholders to hire as a trial.
In recent years, research has been conducted in the North West region identifying feral pig movement patterns and home range sizes. This ongoing research aids control programs through determining the ideal timing and location for baiting and trapping programs. Check out the article from ABC News or watch the episode of Landline on ABC iview.
With any pest species, coordinated control at a broadscale level is needed. Biosecurity Officers can help you and your neighbours work together. Contact your local Biosecurity Officer on 1300 795 299. You can also contact us via our online enquiry form.