The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced $35 million in new funding to help combat the growing problem of feral hogs, one of the nation’s most destructive invasive species. The funding will support projects through the USDA’s Feral Swine Eradication and Control Program, allowing eligible state agencies, tribal governments and other qualified organizations to apply for grants aimed at reducing feral hog populations.

Feral hogs cause billions of dollars in damage each year by destroying crops, pastures and forests, damaging water quality, competing with native wildlife and spreading diseases that can affect livestock, wildlife and even people. Because the animals reproduce rapidly and adapt easily to a wide range of habitats, controlling their populations has become a growing challenge across the South, including Louisiana.

USDA officials say the funding will support coordinated eradication efforts that combine trapping, removal, monitoring and landowner partnerships in areas where feral swine pose the greatest threat to agriculture and natural resources. The application period for the new grants remains open through Sept. 21, 2026.

At this time, USDA has not announced which projects or locations will receive funding, and no list of participating Louisiana parishes has been released.