The emergency registration of two per cent strychnine had little impact on crop protection in Wheatland County this year, according to Premium Ag partner Matt Gosling. 

Alberta and Saskatchewan were given access to strychnine under the Pest Control Products Act following an emergency approval by the federal government in March, ahead of the 2026 growing season. 

The temporary registration will remain in place until November 2027.

According to Health Canada, the emergency approval was intended to help farmers control Richardson round squirrels, also known as gophers, which have caused millions of dollars in crop damage. 

Limited impact on harvest

Despite the federal approval, Gosling said access to the strychnine was limited, leaving many farmers unable to use it to protect their crops. 

"This year it was too little too late," he said. 

Gosling pointed to factors such as the lottery system and a mandatory training requirements as barriers that delayed farmers from receiving the pest control product.  

"This year I would say it had close to zero impact," Gosling added. "I've heard a lot of frustration over that too from farmers."

He said gophers continue to cause problems for farmers by feeding on crops and digging holes that can damage agricultural equipment. 

Health Canada has also reported that gopher populations have increased in recent years, partly due to dry climate conditions.

Wheatland County farmer John Bland previously spoke about the damage caused by gophers before the emergency approval was introduced. 

"[Strychnine] was our major first defence against gophers," Bland said. ""We've had them clean out many, many dollars with a crop."

Gosling said farmers need access to the product in March or April, before gopher populations grow and crops begin emerging. He hopes access will improve ahead of next year's growing season.

Despite advocacy efforts, Gosling said some farmers continue to feel their concerns are not being addressed by the government.

"I don't see it in the hands of the farmers to make a difference," he said. "there's a gap."

Source - https://strathmorenow.com