In only four months, the state-funded feral pig control programs have reduced the number of pests by 33,277 in New South Wales.

The $13 million culling program has been deemed a success, but the battle is ongoing according to State Feral Pig Coordinator, Bec Gray.

"We have had three Landscape Scale Projects (LSP) which are our priority control areas," Ms Gray said. "We have used baiting, trapping, and shooting methods. Ongoing control will need to be integrated and held in conjunction with the pig's breeding cycle for maximum effect."

Already 2,035 property owners have participated in the Government’s $13 million Feral Pig Program, working with Local Land Services to target pest populations. Free bait was popular among the landholders with 77,904 kilograms of the product issued to eligible people.

Local Land Services supplied Western Plains App with the locations of the three LSP areas, with control numbers recorded as at Friday, February 23rd.

• Landscape Scale Project 1 (Western, Riverina & Central West LLS regions) – 8734 pigs controlled
• Landscape Scale Project 3 (North West LLS region) – 5680 pigs controlled
• Central West LLS region – 7207 pigs controlled
• Data is unavailable for LSP2, based around Coolah as that project is currently underway.

Ms Gray said feedback from landholders living around Lake Cargelligo was very positive.

"They seemed pretty pleased with the outcomes," she said. "We held a session there after the completion of that particular control project and had quite a few people turn out."

A critical part of the feral pig program has been equipping farmers with the tools, education and support needed to get on top of the problem.

Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty is pleased with the control program, saying that under the former National/Liberal Government it took three years to cull that many pigs, between 2016 to 2019.

Collaboration with landholders is vital for a successful program, according to Ms Moriarty.

“Farmer feedback on our $13 million NSW Government investment into the feral pig program has been positive," she said. "We now have one of the largest coordinated feral pig control programs ever, supporting farmers on the ground to reduce the impacts of pest animals."

"Tackling the feral pig problem requires government and farmers to work side by side, and the Government is making sure this program is doing exactly that."

Ms Gray said that once the aerial shooting programs are complete, ground control methods will continue for feral pigs during March and April.