Strychnine Ban Hits Saskatchewan Farmers Hard
The ban on strychnine in March 2024 has made it harder for farmers in Saskatchewan to control Richardson’s Ground Squirrels (RGS), commonly known as gophers. Without this key pest management tool, landowners have been struggling to protect crops and livestock from the damage caused by the growing RGS population.
These small rodents create burrows that pose risks to livestock and significantly harm crops and pastures. The rising number of RGS has led to increased financial losses for farmers and has also put pressure on crop insurance programs, which continue to see growing claims for gopher-related damage. With another season approaching, many in the agricultural sector are concerned about the lack of an effective and affordable alternative.
The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) has been advocating for the return of strychnine, as many pest control alternatives are either costly or ineffective. The federal government phased out strychnine over three years, a decision that has frustrated farmers who rely on it for pest management.
“It has been a year since the ban came into full effect and our farmers are struggling to find a practical and effective method to control the Richarson’s ground squirrel populations. SARM is asking the provincial government to use The Saskatchewan First Act to reintroduce the use of strychnine specifically for gopher control,” said Bill Huber, SARM President.
Experts acknowledge that while RGS plays a role in the ecosystem by aiding nutrient cycling and serving as prey for wildlife, their rapidly growing populations are causing widespread agricultural damage. The Gopher Control Program, supported by the federal and provincial governments through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, offers rebates for pest control products and promotes non-chemical methods like raptor platforms.
SARM urges the Saskatchewan government to reinstate strychnine under provincial regulations to ensure responsible use. Farmers require effective tools to manage pests, and addressing this issue is critical to protecting the agricultural sector.
Discussions on this topic will take place at the SARM Annual Convention on Tuesday, March 11, at 3 p.m.
Photo: Pexels – Reagan Ross