❗Attention farmers and ag producers! Richardson's ground squirrel continues to be a major pest concern in our region. The federal government has authorized use of strychnine to control them.
With the anticipated delivery of 2% liquid strychnine, it is important to note there are major changes coming to the sale, distribution, and use of the product. Learn more here from the Alberta government.
Eligibility
Producers wishing to access strychnine must complete online training. Only certified pest control operators, farmers, and persons authorized in government approved pest control programs can use it.
Farmers must provide TWO of the following:
- Purchaser's confirmed legal land description
- Alberta Farm Fuel Benefit number
- Other information that would verify the purchaser is a commercial agriculturalist
Strychnine CANNOT be sold or used in urban areas and may not be used on acreages.
Training
Online Strychnine Producer Training is now available for the 2026 season (access to training is only available May 4-Aug. 1). This certificate expires Sept. 1, 2026. Please ensure you select "producer" when registering. https://sarm.ca/strychnine-stewardship-training/
Training focuses on the safe handling and use of strychnine such as storage, timing, monitoring, and disposal to reduce risks to non-target species.
Only titled landowners, leaseholders and renters (with a valid written agreement and have completed the required training) may apply strychnine to their land if they have completed strychnine specific training.
Use is restricted to eligible farmers, ranchers or commercial agriculturalists who own land and have completed the training. HIRED HANDS or FARM EMPLOYEES that are certified pesticide applicators under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act are permitted to apply strychnine if they have completed the training. FAMILY MEMBERS must be listed on the land title, lease, or rental agreement. Being a family member alone does NOT qualify them. To be eligible to use this product, a family member not on title must be a certified pesticide applicator under the Envrionmental Protection and Enhancement Act.
The Pesticides Regulatory Directorate (formerly known as the Pest Management Regulatory Agency) approved the emergency use of 2% liquid strychnine to control Richardson’s ground squirrels from March 30, 2026 to Nov. 1, 2027.
This may be used in the spring from March 1 to June 15 or in the summer from July 15 to Sept. 1.
Availability
Cypress County DOES NOT have any strychnine in stock. Delivery is anticipated to be late May to early June.
We appreciate your patience as we await further information.
Please contact us with any questions at ag@cypress.ab.ca.