More Sask. RMs granted strychnine access as gopher damage persists

208 RMs in southern and western Sask. are now approved for 2% strychnine use to manage Richardson's ground squirrels until 2027.

As gopher populations rise and threaten crops, the federal government is expanding access to strychnine across Saskatchewan.

The Emergency Use Registration for two per cent liquid strychnine now applies to a broader range of rural municipalities until November 2027. The approval follows a joint request from Saskatchewan and Alberta after an earlier application was denied in February.

Under the Pest Control Products Act, the two provinces have been granted time-limited access with new restrictions, including a reduced geographic scope, strengthened stewardship measures and additional safeguards to protect species at risk.

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In Saskatchewan, 208 rural municipalities across roughly 15 crop districts in the southern and western parts of the province will now have access to the product. Officials say the expansion focuses on areas with the highest ground squirrel populations and requires increased monitoring, carcass collection and disposal, and enhanced mandatory training.

Previously, some producers outside the eligible areas struggled to manage gophers effectively.

“We heard from farmers and ranchers that further expanding the eligible area was necessary,” Agriculture Minister David Marit said in a news release. “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.”

Premier Scott Moe doubled down on the importance of the expansion.

“This was absolutely necessary with the growing predator pressures that threaten livestock and livelihoods,” he said in a post to social media Thursday.

The Ministry of Agriculture is also developing a stewardship program in partnership with the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities, with details expected once timelines and manufacturing schedules are finalized.

Strychnine is expected to be available for late-summer application during the 2026 growing season, though producers may be notified earlier if supply becomes available before the spring application window closes.

The federal government says the temporary approval aims to address significant agricultural damage caused by rising ground squirrel populations, which have been fueled in part by dry conditions across the Prairies. Richardson’s ground squirrels damage crops and pastureland through feeding and burrowing, posing risks to both yields and livestock.

Producers confirmed to use strychnine can begin applications starting in July.