The Arkansas Department of Agriculture has hired John Paul "J.P." Fairhead as the department's first Feral Hog Eradication Program Coordinator. The newly created position is part of a $3.4 million grant recently awarded to the department through the USDA Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program.

"J.P. brings extensive knowledge of statewide feral hog control activities to the department," says Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. "We look forward to putting J.P.'s expertise to work as we implement the new feral hog eradication program in project areas across the state."

Fairhead, employed with the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission since 2008 as a Natural Resource Program Technician and Field Biologist, has served as the Feral Hog Eradication Program Coordinator for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission since February of 2013. He has been involved in the Arkansas Feral Hog Eradication Task Force since it was formed in 2017, serving on the Management and Control Subcommittee.

"The damages associated with feral hogs negatively impact all Arkansans at some level, whether it's direct damages to agriculture or reduced native wildlife populations," says Fairhead. "I look forward to addressing the unique challenges associated with controlling this prolific, destructive, invasive species by partnering with multiple agencies to implement effective control measures. Addressing the feral hog issue will not be a quick-fix; however, I do believe that we can make positive strides to reduce damages if we focus on working together to remove these invasive pests."

Arkansas was one of 10 states to receive funding through the USDA Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program. The program will be a collaborative effort between the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Arkansas Conservation Districts, Arkansas Association of Conservation Districts and other Feral Hog Task Force members to reduce feral hog populations, address resource concerns and provide public education about effective control methods in four project areas across the state. Click here to find more information about the Feral Hog Task Force.

Feral hogs, and the damages associated with them, are an issue in Arkansas and the entire southeastern United States. Damage estimates approach $1.5 billion annually to the United States and approximately $19 million in Arkansas. Feral hogs are a threat to agriculture, forestlands, waterways, wildlife and human health.

Source: Arkansas Department of Agriculture, which is solely responsible for the information provided, and wholly owns the information. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.