NSW Farmers is calling for a major funding boost to feral pig control programs, warning the State Government’s current efforts are nowhere near enough to curb rapidly rising numbers. The organisation says recent reports of 53,000 pigs culled over the past year fall well short of what is needed, with farmers estimating tens of millions of the pests damaging properties across the state.
President Xavier Martin said producers were dealing with the worst pig numbers they had ever seen.
“This isn’t the whole population control we need to see, it’s just a few bits of bacon,” he said.
“I’m hearing report after report from farmers who have hordes of these pests tearing through their farms like a relentless force that can’t be stopped.”
Farmers in the Upper Hunter have also reported mobs moving through paddocks, particularly after recent rainfall increased feed availability. Mr Martin said the situation would only worsen without a stronger, long‑term strategy backed by funding in the upcoming State Budget.
“Five‑figure culls simply aren’t going to do the job when numbers are surging, farmers are being restricted in what tools they can use, and there’s no guarantee of funding past June 30,” he said.
NSW Farmers argues the State Government must support a coordinated approach involving public and private land, warning pigs are continuing to breed unchecked on government‑managed areas.
Mr Martin said it was time for the Treasurer to commit to a comprehensive plan.
“If we’re ever going to break the breeding cycle, the government needs to get serious about feral pigs,” he said.
