The County of Stettler is gathering information to provide, to help advocate for the re-registration of Strychnine to support Prairie producers facing increasing gopher (Richardson’s Ground Squirrel) damage.
Rural municipalities across the Prairies have reported rising gopher activity, causing significant crop, pasture, and livestock safety concerns. The full federal ban on strychnine, effective March 2025, has left producers with limited control options, and municipalities are concerned about the long-term viability of productive agricultural land.
Information Request:
Please send your testimony to
asb.extension@stettlercounty.ca and address the letter to Minister John Barlow, Member of Parliament for Foothills, Shadow Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food . We are interested to hear about:
• Extent of Damage: Estimates or records of gopher-related crop and pasture damage during the 2024 season.
• Economic Impact: Any data on yield reductions or financial losses.
• Current Control Measures: A summary of methods in use and their effectiveness.
• Outlook for 2025 and Beyond: Anticipated impacts if strychnine is not re-registered.
This information will be compiled into a report for the Minister and key stakeholders to ensure rural voices are properly represented. We ask that feedback letters are submitted by July 25, 2025.