Training program for strychnine application available in Sask.
REGINA — Online training is now available in Saskatchewan for landowners who want to use strychnine to control Richardson’s ground squirrels.
The training is a requirement under the stewardship program established in conjunction with receiving emergency use registration from the federal government.
It includes a 90-minute online course available through the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) and deals with responsible use, environmental protection, integrated pest management and pesticide safety.
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WHY IT MATTERS: Saskatchewan and Alberta lobbied for, and obtained, the emergency use registration of strychnine for this year and 2027 to help landowners control the burgeoning populations of Richardson’s ground squirrels. The poison had been phased out and banned in March 2024 but alternatives proved less effective, landowners said.
“Those planning to use strychnine are encouraged to complete training as early as possible to access supplies once they are available,” Agriculture Minister David Marit said.
The initial supply, expected to be a limited amount, should be available in early June. It can be applied until June 15. In the meantime, producers are encouraged to use alternative rodenticides and other control methods.
The next application window is July 15 to Sept. 1 and more inventory should be available by then.
Landowners in 208 rural municipalities are eligible to use the product within certain time periods until November 2027.
Producers can access the training on the SARM website. Full details of the stewardship program and other control methods are available from the province.
Source: producer.com