Eligibility:

• Must be agricultural land within Trinity-Neches SWCD.

• Must have or be willing to obtain a farm and tract number with USDA.

• Landowner permission, if property is leased.

Program Basics:

• Fences must be constructed according to NRCS specifications.

• Since this is to control feral hogs, fences will be a minimum of 36” tall net wire with one strand of barbed wire at the bottom. Participants can install taller wire if desired.

• All fences must be completed by September 30, 2026.

• Land clearing for fence lines is not included in the program.

Payment:

• Payment will match NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program rates and all payments are made after installation.

• Standard Rate: $2.7963 per linear foot of fence

  • This is the 2025 rate. This rate is changing for 2026 and will be updated when it is available.

• Historically Underserved (HU) Rate: $3.3577 per linear foot of fence installed

  • This is the 2025 rate. This rate is changing for 2026 and will be updated when it is available.

  • Those who qualify for the HU rate are: Beginning Farmer/Rancher, Limited Resources Farmer/Rancher, Socially Disadvantaged Farmer/Rancher, and Veteran Farmer/Rancher.

  • Please see Page 3 of document “CCC-860” for definitions of these categories.

• All participants will receive a 1099 tax form.

Process:

• Applications are reviewed monthly at Trinity-Neches SWCD meetings until funds run out.

  • All names and identifiers are removed before evaluation to ensure fairness.

• If Trinity-Neches SWCD selects your application, you will have 30 days to complete any remaining eligibility requirements.

  • If so, the official contract will be signed and work can begin.

  • If requirements are not completed, your application becomes ineligible.

• Once fence is installed, SWCD & NRCS personnel will come out to measure and certify the fence meets specifications.

  • If so, SWCD personnel will proceed with payment.

  • If not, participants will be given the opportunity to correct any errors.

• Payments are issued monthly at Trinity-Neches SWCD meetings.

To Apply:

• Complete the application and return via email, mail, or in person.

  • Email: trinityneches@swcd.texas.gov

  • Mail: P.O. Box 2734, Athens, TX 75751.

  • In Person: 201 US Hwy 175 W, Suite D, Athens, TX 75751

  • Please be as detailed as possible (property acreage, crops, hog issues, control strategies you’ve tried, etc.)

  • Optional: You can add maps of where fence is desired and/or photos of hog damage.

  • If you meet the requirements for a HU category, also complete “CCC-860” as part of your application.

Want More Information?

• If you have any questions or would like assistance with the forms, please reach out to our office at trintiyneches@swcd.texas.gov or 903-675-3259 ext. 3.

• If you’d prefer to discuss the program in person, please schedule a time first since personnel are often in the field.