The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will soon survey 10,000 farmers from 11 states, including Alabama, about feral swine damage on their farms.

“We thank producers in advance for their attention to this survey,” said Barbara Rater, NASS Census and Survey Division director. “The responses, which are always anonymous, can help inform policy and management actions about feral swine.”

The survey will ask if farmers have seen feral swine on their properties, if any crop or livestock damage can be attributed to feral swine and what control methods are currently being used.

Farmers in Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina and Texas will also be surveyed. This marks the first time USDA will survey farmers to determine the extent of feral swine damage.

Barbour County Farmers Federation President Kenny Childree helped coordinate an event earlier this year to help farmers combat feral swine damage. 

“In everyday conversation with farmers, wild hogs always come up,” Childree said. “It’s becoming not only a problem with row crops, but cattle, forestry and all other commodities.”

According to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), annual agricultural damage and control costs related to feral swine in the U.S. amount to $800 million. 

Wild hogs are found in 41 states and most counties in Alabama.