The Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program (FSCP), launched in 2020 under the 2018 farm bill, was designed to curb the growing threat of feral swine, which now roam across more than 30 states and cause an estimated $800 million in annual damage to crops, livestock, and property.

According to a peer-reviewed study published in the Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy journal, counties participating in FSCP are seeing notably better outcomes for corn protection than those not in the program. Using USDA Risk Management Agency data from 2013 to 2022, researchers found that corn growers in FSCP counties experienced fewer wildlife-related indemnity claims and reduced levels of crop damage from wild hogs.

"Of all the crops measured, corn showed the clearest benefit from the program," the study noted.

The findings come amid rising costs tied to wildlife interference on U.S. farms. Crop insurance payouts for wildlife damage surged from $15 million in 2012 to $39 million in 2022, reflecting growing concern from both farmers and policymakers.

The FSCP was initially funded with $75 million and rolled out across 20 counties in 11 southern states, targeting regions with high feral hog density and significant crop exposure. It combines removal strategies, restoration of damaged lands, and outreach to local producers. The USDA expanded the program in 2021, building on early success and high producer engagement.

For corn producers, who are especially vulnerable during planting and early growth stages, the program's results provide critical support - both agronomically and economically. Fewer claims mean more stable insurance markets, and less damage directly protects yields and input investments.

The program's apparent effectiveness is also likely to feed into discussions surrounding the next farm bill, where conservation and risk management provisions are top priorities. With input costs elevated and yield volatility increasing due to climate and wildlife pressures, programs like FSCP offer evidence-based tools to protect farm income.

As feral swine populations continue to spread, experts suggest that sustained investment and strategic expansion of FSCP could amplify its impact - not only in southern states but also in Midwestern corn regions where feral swine sightings are on the rise.

For now, the results mark a win for corn growers and USDA alike, showing how targeted pest control paired with sound policy can yield tangible returns in agricultural resilience and cost containment.