USDA to Measure Feral Swine Damage to Southern Farmers and Ranchers
Official News Release from the United States Department of Agriculture
Contact: Anthony Prillaman (800) 253-4419
June 27, 2022 (ATHENS, GA) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is conducting a Feral Swine Damage survey to measure the costs of feral swine damage to crop operations. The survey is conducted in cooperation with the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) - Wildlife Services. Operators who have received this survey should complete it by Friday, Aug. 12, 2022.
“Completing your survey will help us understand the impact that feral swine or wild hogs have on crops across the country,” said Anthony Prillaman, Director of the NASS Southern Regional Field Office. The results of this survey will help provide a foundation for feral swine research.
In an effort to obtain the most accurate data, NASS will reach out to more than 11,000 producers across the U.S. between June and August, including over 3,400 producers in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.
The USDA APHIS National Wildlife Research Center states that feral swine exist in at least 31 states, and the nationwide population is estimated at approximately 6 million animals. Feral swine damage pastures, agricultural crops, lawns, landscaping, and natural areas, due to feeding, rooting, wallowing, grazing, and trampling activities. This survey focuses specifically on damage to corn, soybeans, wheat, rice, peanuts, and sorghum.
NASS recommends responding online using the new and convenient “Respondent Portal.” On the portal, you can complete your surveys and track upcoming surveys. Respondents can also complete their questionnaire and return it by mail. If we do not hear from you by Wednesday, July 13, 2022, a representative may contact you to arrange a telephone interview.
APHIS will analyze these data as a baseline for future studies and any published information will be made available to the public through the APHIS Feral Swine Resources website: aphis.usda.gov/aphis/resources/pests-diseases/feral-swine/feral-swine-resources.
The information provided by producers will be used for statistical purposes only. In accordance with federal law, ensuring the confidentiality of all responses and that no individual respondent or operation can be identified.
Thank you for participating and for your support to U.S. agriculture. If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the NASS Southern Regional Field Office (800) 253-4419.
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NASS is the federal statistical agency responsible for producing official data about U.S. agriculture and is committed to providing timely, accurate, and useful statistics in service to U.S. agriculture.
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