Council discussed the ongoing debate of ground squirrel control and the use of strychnine at the County of Stettler Agricultural Service Board (ASB) meeting on Aug. 20.

In a letter to federal Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and provincial ministers described the unchecked spread of ground squirrels as a crisis, warning of $800 million in annual risks to hay and pasture alone. The letter called on Ottawa to reverse the ban, arguing that current control methods are labour-intensive, less effective and in some cases more dangerous to apply.

Alberta’s push to reinstate strychnine for controlling Richardson ground squirrels has renewed debate between producers seeking effective tools and environmental advocates raising concerns about non-target impacts.

The County of Stettler recently gathered written submissions from local producers and stakeholders, underscoring the severity of infestations. Of the 18 submissions, 83 per cent supported re-registering strychnine, while 17 per cent opposed, citing risks to wildlife, pets and the broader environment.

Farmers reported crop and pasture losses ranging from 10 to more than 50 per cent, with some estimating annual financial hits between $40,000 and $50,000. Entire sections of early-stage crops, up to 25 acres in some cases, were eaten off. Pasture degradation has forced producers to buy additional feed, reducing grazing capacity.

Concerns also centred on livestock safety and equipment damage. Producers described cattle injuries and fatalities from gopher holes, including broken legs in calves and breeding stock. Badger activity has compounded damage, while farm equipment has sustained heavy wear and tear from navigating rough ground.

Many submissions criticized alternatives such as Rozol and zinc phosphide as costly and ineffective. Farmers said extensive hours spent on baiting, trapping and shooting produced little success, with recurring infestations spreading from untreated neighbouring land. 

Farrah Fischer, assistant manager of agricultural operations, noted that an online ASB questionnaire would be posted on the county’s website for additional producer feedback. Councillors remarked the written survey represented only a small portion of public opinion and believed a broader base of residents supported the return of strychnine.

Operational setbacks were also documented, with staff pulled from key tasks such as crop production and weed control to focus on gopher management, causing delays during critical periods.

Those opposing strychnine reintroduction included a veterinarian and a professional biologist, who raised concerns about non-target poisoning of raptors, scavengers and domestic animals. They promoted ecological approaches to pest control and called for broader consultation before reconsidering the ban. Councillors noted it was important to hear perspectives from both sides of the issue.

The County of Stettler’s Agricultural Services Board concluded the ground squirrel problem has reached a crisis level, with measurable financial losses, safety hazards and added stress on operations. The board’s chair formally requested that the federal government review the strychnine ban, improve access to effective control methods and provide support through research and compensation.

Council accepted the report as information.