SKAGIT VALLEY, Wash. — Landowners in Skagit County are harvesting elk at a faster pace than last year to reduce damage to farmland.

Farmers have complained for years about elk-damaged fences, pastures and crops.

The Capital Press reports since July 1, landowners or their hunters have shot 22 elk, compared to 15 at this time last year.

The Skagit County assessor has estimated that elk do roughly $1.4-million worth of damage annually.