Spring is always one of the best times of year in this business. Calving is underway, seed is going into the ground, and there’s a sense of momentum heading into the grazing season. This year, that momentum also includes a few policy wins worth noting.
Strychnine is back in 2026! After its approval was pulled in 2023, producers have been searching for a useful option to control infestations of Richardson’s ground squirrel. If you’re impacted, you’ll know why this is a meaningful development.
The rollout is still underway, with initial access expected toward the end of May. For some, that timing will miss the most effective spring window, which is frustrating. There is expected to be another opportunity later in the summer, but it won’t fully replace what many producers were hoping for this spring.
That said, getting this approval across the line was no small task. This was very much an Alberta-led effort, with strong collaboration between cropping groups and ABP to build the case. After an initial rejection by the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA), the province reapplied. Minister Sigurdson continued to push the file, and the premier elevated it federally. That second effort ultimately resulted in approval. Big kudos to Minister Sigurdson, Premier Smith and their teams.
There will be requirements tied to its use, including mandatory training, declaration forms saying you have an infestation, treatment planning, and monitoring and reporting obligations. While those steps add some complexity, they are part of ensuring the product can be used responsibly and help support the case for future access.
The current emergency use is in place until November 2027. ABP will continue to advocate for extensions where needed, while also pushing for longer-term solutions and alternatives for managing gopher populations.
Click here to see more...