The Canadian prairies are being overrun with feral pigs — and that’s not great news for potato growers.
Dr. Ryan Brook has been researching wild pigs — and warning people about them — for more than 15 years. A professor in the Department of Animal and Poultry Science at the University of Saskatchewan, he’s undertaken the challenge of tracking these feral pigs across Canada, a mission that has become more critical as the pig population continues to climb at a staggering rate.
“These pigs are more than just a nuisance,” Brook says. “They pose serious threats to agriculture, the environment, and community safety.”
The Pervasiveness of the Pig Problem
Brook describes these wild pigs as “insidious,” warning that their rapid reproduction and adaptability make them a formidable threat.
“Every day I hear from people in rural communities whose lives are impacted by these animals,” he says. And his extensive research corroborates a growing problem: “This has been coming for a long, long time, and it’s a big concern across the board.”
According to Brook, the presence of wild pigs in the Canadian prairies has dramatically increased. In fact, he states that as of now, “99.6 per cent of documented occurrences of wild pigs in Canada are on the prairies. Over half of those occurrences are in Saskatchewan alone, where the population continues to thrive unchecked.”
A Threat to Potato Growers
The potential impact of wild pigs on the agricultural community, particularly potato growers, is significant.
“Pigs are rooters, and they will dig up crops — they don’t just eat potatoes, they destroy them by uprooting them from the ground,” he says.
In Manitoba, where the pig problem is steadily escalating, the absence of compensation programs for affected farmers adds another layer of difficulty.
“Unfortunately, many producers have lost significant portions of their crop yield with no financial support to aid recovery.” This concern is echoed by numerous potato farmers who have experienced firsthand the destruction caused by wild pigs on their fields.
Notably, wild pigs can produce up to six piglets per litter, and mature females can breed twice a year. This reproductive rate is what drives the problem, coupled with the fact that the species has been able to adapt and survive in cold weather regions.
It’s not a problem the industry can ignore.
“We’ve heard from numerous producers indicating this has been an issue, and their fears are valid,” Brook says. “As the pigs invade fields, the consequence is often significant, with entire harvests jeopardized.”
Current Control Measures
To combat this rising threat, some provinces have implemented awareness programs. In Manitoba, growers are encouraged to “Squeal on Pigs.” Reported sightings are followed up with a team tasked with trapping the pigs — which is sometimes difficult given the nocturnal nature of the animals.
Shooting them — an option presented in some areas — isn’t effective either.
“If you want more pigs, shoot away, because that will guarantee you more pigs,” Brook says. “Pigs usually scatter when they’re shot at, making it nearly impossible to eliminate them effectively. Trapping is the single best tool we have right now.”
But that alone won’t solve the problem.
A Call for Comprehensive Action
Brook says a multifaceted approach that includes comprehensive management strategies is necessary, with eradication being the ultimate goal — and it needs to happen fast.
“We cannot afford to wait any longer,” he says, urging farmers to be vigilant in sighting and reporting wild pigs on their property.
“They’re nocturnal, so you may not see them, but you can capture evidence of their presence,” he says. “One of the most crucial things we can do is pattern them.”
Economic Implications for Farmers
With potato crops particularly vulnerable to wild pig damage, producers face not only the immediate costs associated with crop loss but also potential long-term impacts on market viability.
“If wild pigs continue to thrive and multiply like they have, we can expect not just diminished yields but also increased prices for consumers due to less supply,” Brook says.
Many potato growers have expressed frustration at the lack of effective management strategies at both provincial and federal levels. Without a coordinated effort, the fear is that wild pigs could degrade agricultural lands significantly, leading to an overall decline in productivity and profitability.
“We’re at a junction where proactive measures must be taken,” Brook says. Otherwise, this could spiral out of control, impacting not just farmers but the food supply as a whole. “We can’t barbecue our way out of this problem.”
