Wild pigs have undoubtedly been roaming the North American landscape for hundreds of years following transportation and release by some of the earliest settlers. Since that time, these prolific animals have flourished, expanded their range, and caused widespread damage to numerous industries. In fact, damage and disease caused by wild pigs is one of the greatest threats to native plant and animal species and one of the most prevalent concerns of wildlife biologists, natural resource managers, and livestock farmers.
Since the first organized meeting regarding wild pigs in 1977, ecological, economical, and social concerns surrounding pig damage have evolved presenting new challenges and unique opportunities to managers. As pig populations continue to elude control measures, professionals have recognized the need for a regular venue to discuss wild pig related issues. Starting in 2004, a national conference on wild pigs has been conducted biennially with attendance growing at each event. At the 2008 National Conference on Feral Hogs in St. Louis Missouri, conference committee members voted to turn conference organization activities permanently over to the Jack H. Berryman Institute.
Who is the Berryman Institute?
The Berryman Institute is named for renowned wildlife biologist Jack H. Berryman and is dedicated to education and research surrounding human-wildlife conflicts. First established at Utah State University, growing requests for Berryman Institute training and education assistance expanded the organization south to Mississippi State University as well. Personnel at both universities strive to offer educational, training, and internship opportunities for students and professionals in wildlife sciences. The Berryman Institute is particularly invested in creating venues for professionals to share management experiences and generate new dialogue to help mitigate conflicts between human and wildlife interests. The nationwide scope of the Berryman Institute along with its mission to resolve human-wildlife conflicts fall perfectly in line with the purpose of the Wild Pig Conference creating the perfect partnership of research and education. The conference organizers at the Berryman Institute look forward to seeing you at the Pensacola Crowne Plaza in 2010! For more information on the Berryman Institute, visit our website at www.berrymaninstitute.org.
How can my business or organization benefit?
Wild pigs affect a wide variety of industries including watershed, agriculture, veterinary, hunting, conservation, wildlife damage, land planning, and timber to name a few. Wild pigs also harbor diseases which threaten public, livestock, and wildlife health. If you are part of a business or organization dedicated to finding solutions for wild pig damage, this conference will encompass the perfect target audience! Not only will this venue bring you face-to-face with experts and researchers in the field, you will discover the products, materials, and people they need to make wild pig management a reality. This conference is a tremendous opportunity to network and build contacts throughout the science and natural resource management community and build existing relationships with nationwide colleagues. As a conference sponsor, your business and organization will be featured on both the conference website and the program ensuring exposure and placing products at the fingertips of all attendees- or anyone who visits the website! We will also place your logo on our conference signage and publicity materials! Higher sponsorship levels also receive free booth space to display business or organization advertising and speak with conference attendees directly. The booths are located directly in the grand ball room where presentations will take place - guaranteeing ample traffic.
