Feral hogs wreaking havoc on Georgia’s rural communities

According to surveys by the University of Georgia in 2015, feral hogs caused approximately $100 million in agricultural damage just in that state. They continue to be a costly problem for rural communities across the state, reports Damon Jones of Georgia Farm Monitor.

Feral hogs are a problem in many rural communities. The USDA Wildlife Services has organized a workshop in Georgia to help landowners in the area address the issue.

According to Georgia Farm Monitor, while feral swine might not have the same notoriety as some of the other invasive species in Georgia, few have reeked more havoc over the past decade — and that damage isn’t just limited to the economy, as they also put a massive strain on the environment.

“So, according to some surveys done by the University of Georgia in 2015, feral swine are responsible for approximately $100 million in just agricultural damage — and that’s in Georgia alone,” says Matt Ondovchik, the state’s feral swine coordinator.

Related Stories
She joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report to share more about her new cookbook, “Dishes and Devotions: Make Every Day Delicious,” which recently hit #1 in Amazon’s Cajun & Creole Cooking category.
Georgia has regained its HPAI-free status after a swift response to October’s detection. Commissioner Tyler Harper urges producers to stay vigilant and maintain biosecurity.
Southern producers head into 2026 with thin margins, tighter credit, and rising agronomic risks despite scattered yield improvements.
Water access—not acreage alone—is driving where irrigation expands or contracts.
Raulston Acres Christmas Tree Farm in Rock Springs, Ga., has been in the same family for three generations.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

William Lee Golden joined us to talk about his farming roots, his storied career with the Oak Ridge Boys, and how his new book and music continue to reflect the values that have guided him throughout his life and career.
Glyphosate and phosphorus are deemed critical to U.S. national defense, ensuring farmers’ access while signaling a shift toward regenerative agriculture. RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney shares insight on the Trump Administration’s move and what it could mean for U.S. farmers moving forward.
Claire Woeppel, Central Region Vice President with the National FFA Organization, joined us to discuss Alumni Day, the lasting impact of FFA supporters, and why honoring that legacy matters during National FFA Week.
UNL Extension’s Troy Walz discusses the Nebraska Ranch Practicum, where sessions are held, how producers can get involved, and what ranchers can gain from participating in the program.
The Ranger Road Fire in the Oklahoma Panhandle is now 65% contained after burning nearly 300,000 acres over the past week. Kevin Charleston of Specialty Risk Insurance Agency discusses wildfire recovery, livestock insurance considerations, and the importance of preparedness for producers across the Southern Plains.
Ag leaders say President Donald Trump’s State of the Union is unlikely to spark major agriculture headlines, but ongoing tariff uncertainty and trade policy remain key concerns, as does the debate around glyphosate and the status of the next Farm Bill.