NORTH West Local Land Services in partnership with NSW Farmers’ will hold a feral pig information and planning session at Croppa Creek Bowling Club next week.

The free event for north-west landholders will be held 6pm and 8pm on Wednesday, August 6, with dinner provided.

Attendees will gain insights into local feral pig populations and the estimated cost to landholders across the district, as well as advice about best practice pest animal management strategies. Biosecurity staff will be on hand to answer any questions from the community.

Feral pigs are causing significant damage to crops, pastures and farm infrastructure as well as the natural environment.

Another good season has seen numbers boom across north-western New South Wales, despite significant efforts to control the pest animal species.

North West Local Land Services regional pest animal co-ordinator, David Lindsay, said the purpose of the event is to provide support to landholders in the Croppa Creek area who are dealing with feral pig damage.

“We know that many landholders in the district are already doing their best to control feral pigs on their property, often through isolated control measures like shooting,” Mr Lindsay said.

“We are here to help landholders co-ordinate pest management efforts with their neighbours, as we know this results in more effective control outcomes.

“Feral pigs move across the landscape without respect to property boundaries, so controlling over a wide area creates a much larger impact,” he said.

“We’ll also provide advice on strategies for an integrated approach to feral pig management, including monitoring regularly and using multiple control methods including baiting, trapping and aerial control, and how best to go about this.”

Advice on strategies for an integrated approach to feral pig management will be delivered at a Croppa Creek Bowling Club on August 6.

By participating in co-ordinated control programs and taking advantage of free bait through Local Land Services’ Feral Fighters program, landholders and Local Land Services are working together to reduce the number of feral pigs in the area and limit their impacts.

Feral pigs are always on the move – and hungry.

With less natural food available, they’re increasingly targeting grain trails and livestock feeders, putting added pressure on feed supplies and competing directly with stock.

Landholders are encouraged to plan and co-ordinate with neighbours, using a mix of control methods like baiting and trapping where appropriate.

The information session at Croppa Creek on August 6 will help landholders put appropriate plans in place.

Northern Tablelands Local Land Services team leader pest animals, Mark Tarrant, said using a combination of control methods was proven to have greater success in controlling feral pigs, particularly in areas with high-density populations where a sustained effort is needed to keep numbers low.

“The results speak for themselves in the Northern Tablelands, where landholders have actively participated in an intensive control program with Local Land Services’ support over the past 12 months,” Mr Tarrant said.

“Landholders have reported fewer feral pigs in the target area and regrowth of vegetation, while pig pads – often seen where pigs frequent food and water sources – are being used less.

“Throughout the program, we’ve also focused our efforts on capacity building, equipping landholders with the tools and support to meet their general biosecurity duty to manage pest animals on their properties.”

Feral Pig Information and Planning Session

When: Wednesday, August 6

Where: Croppa Creek Bowling Club

Time: 6pm to 8pm

Cost: Free