Gopher Control
Richardson's ground squirrel (RGS) range covers much of the North American Great Plains and includes portions of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota.
These pests are herbivores. They eat forage grasses, forage legumes, cereal crops, pulse crops, canola and native grasses. When they occur in great numbers, agricultural producers can accrue significant financial losses.
Emergency use of Strychnine (2026 - 2027)
The Governments of Saskatchewan and Alberta received approval for a revised joint Emergency Use Request for the use of two per cent liquid strychnine to support integrated pest management of Richardson's ground squirrels (RGS). Under the Emergency Use Registration authorized through the Pest Control Products Act, areas in approximately seven crop districts in southwest, southeast, south central and northwest Saskatchewan will be eligible to access strychnine. These areas were identified using Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation claims data and information related to species at risk presence. The revised Emergency Use Registration includes measures to protect species at risk, including a refined geographic scope, increased monitoring and carcass collection and disposal requirements and enhanced mandatory training.
Map of Strychnine Emergency Use Area
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SARM is very pleased with the PMRA’s decision to provide temporary usage of Strychnine. SARM looks forward to partnering with the Ministry of Agriculture to ensure safe and effective application of this pesticide.
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Details of the program, including eligibility requirements to acquire Strychnine are being determined by the Ministry of Agriculture and will be communicated when they have been completed.
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We anticipate there to be requirements for training for rural municipalities and producers prior to purchase and application of the product.
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Thank you for your patience. We all look forward to seeing more details of this exciting program for producers and rural municipalities!
Statement from the Minister of Health and the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-food on Strychnine in Alberta and Saskatchewan (March 30, 2026)
Saskatchewan Welcomes Pest Management Regulatory Agency Approval of Emergency Strychnine Use (March 31, 2026)
Gopher Control Program
Ratepayers are eligible for up to 50% cost-shared funding towards the purchase of registered gopher control products, and up to $125 per raptor platform. For more details, please see the Program Guidelines.
Applications and receipts must be submitted to the RM Office by July 31st. Any product purchased after July 31st will be an eligible expense for next years program.
The Government of Saskatchewan has information on the Control of Richardson's Ground Squirrels. Here they say results indicated that the zinc phosphide products, ZP Rodent Oat Bait and Burrow oat bait were as effective as strychnine and less expensive. They also present a reduced risk of secondary poisoning and are not environmentally persistent.
Burrow Oat Bait is available in 20kg bags from Elevation Ag Services near Fielding, SK. Tel: (306) 827-4708 Email: agronomy@elevationag.ca