Strychnine online training now available to Sask. producers

Producers planning to use strychnine in Saskatchewan can now take part in online training to be able to do so.

Those in eligible communities can take this required training step through Saskatchewan’s Strychnine Stewardship Program, should they wish to access two per cent liquid strychnine to combat Richardson’s ground squirrel infestations.

Agriculture Minister for the province, David Marit, said those planning to use strychnine are encouraged to complete the 90-minute training course as soon as possible, to access supplies once they are available.

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Through the Strychnine Stewardship Program, the training is available to 208 rural municipalities (RMs) through an emergency use registration under Health Canada’s pesticides regulatory directorate, which is in effect until November 2027.

The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) is offering the online course, which deals with responsible use of strychnine, protecting the environment, integrated pest management and pesticide safety. In its release, the province also noted that a mandatory treatment plan and declaration form are required to become a certified strychnine user.

A limited first supply of strychnine is expected in early June, with monthly shipments to follow, that participating RM offices can distribute. The province noted that strychnine will be evenly distributed among the participating RMs with a per-producer cap to manage the supply.

“As the spring application window closes on June 15, producers are encouraged to use alternative registered rodenticides, as well as biological and cultural controls, for RGS control in the next month,” the province noted in its release.

Strychnine inventories are expected to increase between July 15 and Sept. 1.