Ideal breeding conditions are to blame for an explosion in feral pig numbers in the Western Plains region and landholders are saying urgent action is needed.

According to NSW Farmers member Peter Mailler, the animals are causing enormous damage to rural properties across the state with numbers as bad as he has ever experienced. Mr Mailler called on the government to do something about it.

“We need effective pest control management plans with the resources and commitment of all parties to tackle feral pests and weeds so we can get on top of them and stay on top of them," he said. 

Across NSW more than 34000 hoofed feral animals (pigs, deers, goats) have been culled since last November.

Coonamble farmer, Don Schieb said he has noticed the increased population of feral pigs, which love the river scrub habitat from where they venture into his paddocks.

"A few weeks ago, we shot 260 pigs in around three hours and followed up a week later with 60 more. They root around in the dirt in crops and shelter in it," he said.

"They cause huge damage when the crops are ripe. There are so many around at the moment as the past year has seen ideal conditions for them to breed. I saw a sow with nine suckers just the other day."

While Mr Schieb only runs cattle, he said damage to other livestock, such as sheep, is a real threat.

"Farmers have to watch their breeding ewes as pigs will come in and kill the lambs whenever they get an opportunity," he said.

Tamworth sheep producer Norm Thomas backs up this claim, saying he lost 120 lambs this year – estimated to be worth about $24,000 – to feral animals, including pigs.

Feral pigs are again being seen in huge numbers across western NSW.

Mr Schieb said he and his contracted shooters generally shoot and leave the pigs, but knows many suitably accredited people take them to chillers in their closest town where they are kept in a cold room prior to processing.

A Coonamble "born and bred" local, who did not wish to be named, told the Western Plains app that he has worked as a professional shooter for over 30 years and is also involved in the chiller industry.

He says the wet weather has allowed the feral pigs to breed quicker, and make use of the ample feed and shelter. He said these ideal conditions see pigs having more than two litters per year of up to 12 piglets each time.

"The damage one pig does in a crop looks as though a hundred have been in there," he said.

"Like most feral animals, when the year is dry, the numbers are down but when conditions are good, the numbers get out of control. This is what we are experiencing now.

"At the moment we are seeing between 200 and 400 pigs come into chillers in Coonamble per week. Most nights we can shoot anywhere between 30 and 50 animals."

It is necessary to be an accredited harvester to shoot feral pigs for the chiller and chiller owners undertake training to be licensed to run the facility. Protocols need to be followed including applying leg tags, identifying the harvester as well as where and what time the pig was shot.

Pig carcases are freighted to Queensland for processing where the bulk of the product is exported overseas.

"It could be for human consumption or pet food," he said. 

"We've seen seasons like this before, and we will see them again."