This bill reauthorizes and modifies the feral swine eradication and control program, allocating \$75 million annually from 2025-2030, adjusting cost-share percentages, and requiring monitoring and reporting to prevent reoccurrence and improve program effectiveness.
John Cornyn
Senator
TX
The "Feral Swine Eradication Act" reauthorizes and modifies the feral swine eradication and control program, renaming it from a "pilot program" and updating key definitions. It allocates $75 million annually from 2025-2030, adjusts cost-share percentages between federal and producer contributions, and mandates monitoring of eradicated areas to prevent reoccurrence. The Act also requires regular reports to Congress on program activities and outcomes.
Feral Swine Program Goes Permanent with $75M, Producers Pick Up Bigger Tab
The federal government is doubling down on its fight against feral swine, those notoriously destructive wild pigs causing headaches for farmers and ecosystems alike. The Feral Swine Eradication Act amends the 2018 Farm Bill to make the existing pilot program permanent, dedicating $75 million over six years (Fiscal Years 2025-2030) to control efforts. The core goal remains the same: reduce the damage these invasive animals inflict on agriculture, natural resources, and even animal and human health.
No Longer Just a Test Run
This legislation officially graduates the feral swine control effort from a 'pilot program' to simply 'the program,' signaling a long-term commitment. It broadens where help can be offered, swapping 'pilot areas' for 'eligible areas.' What counts as an 'eligible area'? Anywhere the Secretary of Agriculture determines feral swine pose a threat – giving the Department flexibility but also significant discretion in directing resources. The funding injection of $75 million through 2030 provides dedicated resources for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to manage the program.
The Price Tag: Who Foots the Bill?
A key change that directly impacts farmers and ranchers participating in the program is a shift in the cost-sharing arrangement. Previously, the federal government covered 50% of the costs for eradication efforts under the program, with producers covering the other 50%. This bill adjusts that split: the federal share drops to 40%, meaning the 'covered producer' share increases to 60%. In practical terms, if you're a landowner working with the program to remove invasive pigs tearing up your fields or threatening your livestock, you'll now be responsible for a larger portion of the project's cost.
Watching the Fences: New Rules for Monitoring & Reporting
Getting rid of feral swine is one thing; keeping them gone is another. Recognizing this, the bill adds a new requirement: APHIS and NRCS must monitor areas for one year after eradication efforts conclude to ensure the pigs don't just move back in. Think of it as a warranty period for hog removal. Additionally, the agencies need to report back to Congress twice – first after two years, then again after four and a half years – detailing how the money is spent, what's working, what isn't, and recommendations for improvement. These reports will also be posted publicly online, adding a layer of transparency to how taxpayer dollars are being used to tackle this persistent problem.