Several more Saskatchewan RM's will be allowed to use strychnine for the control of Richardson's ground squirrels. (Image Credit: Submitted/Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture)

By Alice McFarlane

Gopher control options

Strychnine emergency use expanded in Saskatchewan

Apr 9, 2026 | 2:32 PM

The Emergency Use Registration for two per cent liquid strychnine has been expanded to allow a broader range of Saskatchewan rural municipalities (RMs) access for integrated pest management of Richardson’s ground squirrels.

Roughly 15 crop districts which includes 208 RM’s in southern and western Saskatchewan will have access to strychnine.

Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit said the province submitted a request to Health Canada’s Pesticides Regulatory Directorate last week to expand the eligible area to include RMs with the highest Richardson’s ground squirrel populations.

“We heard from farmers and ranchers that further expanding the eligible area was necessary,” Marit said. “This change better reflects regions with the highest Richardson’s ground squirrel populations and ensures producers have access to the right tools to manage this pest.”

The revised Emergency Use Registration includes measures to protect species at risk, including increased monitoring and carcass collection and disposal requirements, as well as enhanced mandatory training.

Responsive measures

Some Sask. farmers to get winter elk hunting permits next year to protect land

Mar 12, 2026

Buy Now, Pay Later!

Spring 2026 Early Buy Program

Mar 09, 2026

SARM Convention

Sask RMs gather to address come concerns

Mar 06, 2026

The Ministry of Agriculture is developing a Strychnine Stewardship Program to be delivered in partnership with the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities. Program details will be shared through RMs once program details and manufacturing timelines are confirmed.

For the 2026 season, strychnine is expected to be available for a late-summer application. If strychnine becomes available before the spring application window closes, producers will be notified through RMs.

Richardson’s ground squirrels cause significant agricultural damage by consuming crops and their extensive burrowing damages pastures and creates holes that pose a risk of injury to grazing livestock.

Program information and other Richardson’s ground squirrel control options are available here.

The current program is in effect for approved RM’s until November 2027.

—

by Alice McFarlane

View Comments

Strychnine emergency use expanded in Saskatchewan

What's Trending