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A T N H E L P S T O P R O T E C T
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Louisiana has an $11 billion agricultural
industry. When state offi cials and
farmers met last November in northwest
Louisiana with Governor John Bel Edwards
for the “Listen to Agriculture” tour, the topic
of feral hogs was a priority.
Th is invasive species not only causes
visual damage but the monetary impact,
particularly in the spring when farmers are
planting, is substantial and the reason why
farmers must invest even more in replanting
costs. Th is setback also causes yields to be
potentially lower due to the shorter growing
season.
Th is Sportsman’s Paradise has become a
prime breeding ground for feral hogs and
this invasive species has no natural predator
to help keep their numbers under control.
Damage is not limited to crops. Th e hogs
will eat anything; such as fawn, small ground
nesting or dwelling animals, small birds and
the eggs of the local wildlife. Th ey also root
for grubs and other morsels, causing erosion
and damage to levees, according to the
Assistant State Wildlife Veterinarian with
the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and
Fisheries.
In 2016, the US Department of
Agriculture estimated that damages and
control costs across the US is around $1.5
billion. In a study put out by the LSU Ag
Center in 2016, it was estimated that the
total cost of loss is around $55 million,
just for the agricultural sector. Th is doesn’t
include damages to personal property,
insurance claims for vehicle collisions or
any other factors that would only cause this
fi gure to signifi cantly increase.
As the state looks for viable solutions
and debates the environmental impact to
wildlife, with regards to the introduction
of poison and/or fertility control measures
to help cull the wild pig populations in the
state, there is a group of individuals who
have actively taken up this cause (at their
own expense) and are using their skills and
equipment to help do their part to combat
this growing problem for their community.
Shane Kessler and Marty Strange heard
the complaints of their fellow neighbours,
Today, Rougarou Hog
Control, Shane Kessler and
his team protect close to
70K acres of farm fields.
These individuals donate
their time, money and
their physical fitness to
endure the long evening
hours needed to protect the
agricultural crops/land of
central Louisiana farmers
from out-of-control feral
hogs.
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