Farmers Slam NSW Pig Cull as Numbers Explode

NSW Farmers has criticised the state government’s approach to feral pig control, saying recent culling efforts amount to little more than “bits of bacon” as pig numbers surge across regional New South Wales.

The criticism follows reports that just over 53,000 feral pigs were culled by authorities in the past year — a figure NSW Farmers says barely dents a population estimated by farmers to be in the tens of millions.

President Xavier Martin says producers are dealing with unprecedented infestations, describing paddocks being overrun and crops and pastures destroyed by what he calls a relentless force.

He says without a long-term, coordinated strategy, pig numbers are expected to continue rising, particularly as animals continue breeding on public land.

Mr Martin warns that five-figure culls won’t be enough while farmers face restrictions on control tools and uncertainty around funding beyond June 30.

NSW Farmers is calling on the state government to commit to sustained funding and a comprehensive control plan in the upcoming budget.

Mr Martin says breaking the breeding cycle is critical if the industry is to get ahead of the problem.