County of Stettler Press Release – April 20, 2026:
On March 30, 2026 the federal government announced temporary emergency registration of strychnine.
Alberta producers have regained access to a critical intervention for managing Richardson’s ground squirrel populations.
New: FACT SHEET from Government of Alberta.
Please contact the County of Stettler Agricultural Services Board at asb@stettlercounty.ca or call 403-742-4441 to be put on our information list for notification of training dates and more.
HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
SUPPLY AND DELIVERY: The product is currently being manufactured with products sourced from India being manufactured in Canada.
We expect limited supplies to arrive at the County in late May or early June, with a more consistent supply ready for the Spring 2027 season.
Producer purchase limits will be based on infestation thresholds and affected acres. Stockpiling or inflating acreage could risk program continuation or product availability.
MANDATORY TRAINING: All producers must complete a specific training program before they can purchase product.
This is separate from the standard Farmer Pesticide Certificate.
We are currently planning to host municipal, in-person training sessions once Fieldmen receive the training to administer this course.
IMPROVED DATA COLLECTION: To maintain this registration, we need stronger evidence of the economic impact of Richardson’s ground squirrel.
We will be working with producers to document damage and thresholds more diligently.
SALES AND APPLICATION WINDOWS: To protect species at risk, sales will be restricted based on land base and specific seasonal windows.
Spring applications can occur from early May-June.
A second window targeting juveniles will run from mid-July to the end of August.
These are the application windows and are subject to change.
ACCESSING STRYCHNINE: Access to strychnine is limited and controlled.
Access to strychnine, users must complete mandatory training, submit a declaration form and treatment plan, perform diligent site monitoring and carcass disposal, and provide a post-use product evaluation to ensure ongoing eligibility.
The PMRA will conduct field and producer audits to ensure compliance with program requirements.
We are currently building a list of interested producers.
If you are looking for Richardson’s ground squirrel control options this season, please contact the Agricultural Services to get on our contact list for upcoming training dates and supply updates – 403-742-4441 or asb@stettlercounty.ca.
Further updates and rollout dates will be shared as soon as they become available to us.
This authorization, effective through November 1, 2027, and reintroduces a high-impact measure to mitigate the mounting pressure on regional crops and pastures.
The County of Stettler is currently working on clarifying the specific logistical and regulatory requirements for the program’s rollout, as well as timing.
We are committed to providing a clear framework for implementation as soon as the details are finalized.
We remain very committed to balancing support for our agricultural community with environmental stewardship and public safety.
Further updates and rollout dates will be shared as soon as they become available to us.
Click here for the federal statement.
