The County of Stettler’s Ag Service Board (ASB) heard an update about the federal government’s limited approval of strychnine to control gophers, and it isn’t all roses and sunshine. The report was made at the Apr. 15 ASB board meeting. Screenshot

The County of Stettler’s Ag Service Board (ASB) heard an update about the federal government’s limited approval of strychnine to control gophers and it isn’t all roses and sunshine. The report was made at the Apr. 15 ASB meeting.

Readers should note the ASB is comprised of some members of county council and some members at large and is chaired by Allan Gano.

Manager of Agricultural Operations Rob Klatt presented a report on a recent meeting he attended with Government of Alberta representatives about the federal government's approval of strychnine for gopher control. However, as Klatt pointed out, the new strychnine program is causing some concern. “They’re just doing the rollout now,” said Klatt to the board. “So far, it looks like the first that we’ll be able to actually acquire strychnine is going to be probably the beginning of June.”

Klatt pointed out several times in the report that the federal government included a June 15 deadline for first-round strychnine use.

As well, he stated it looks like the government imported 800 cases of strychnine, which, divided between 49 municipalities, equals just over 19,000 bottles. Klatt stated that means the County of Stettler would get 390 bottles to distribute, with one bottle covering about an acre in the first rollout. Klatt stated that in the first go-round, those numbers — 390 bottles of strychnine for all of the County of Stettler — may cause some frustration for producers. “So what looked in the beginning to be a bit of a home run, it’s very, very limited right now,” said Klatt.

Klatt added it appears this was done so producers could hit the first strychnine application deadline in June, which is followed by another in the third week of July.

He added that training will be done over the internet and will be available at the beginning of May. However, once a producer completes the one-hour course, it may take a couple of days for certification to be accepted by the system.

Coun. Justin Stevens predicted the small amount of strychnine may see great demand. “How are we going to ration this?” asked Coun. Stevens. “We know that demand is going to far exceed our inventory.”

Klatt’s response was that it’s difficult to say because the provincial and federal governments haven’t provided all program details yet.

During discussion, it was noted strychnine audits would be conducted and new staff have been hired for this purpose. Klatt predicted municipalities will be administering much of this strychnine program, however.

Councillors mused that the program’s late start may mean fewer producers are interested in it.

Board member Lance Neilson acknowledged the late start. “But man, not being able to start until June, that’s late,” said Neilson.

Klatt noted it seems the county will receive strychnine by the beginning of June, and it must be applied by June 15, which is a tight timetable. “I don’t know from a producer perspective, I don’t know that it’s really worth the risk to even want to put it down this year,” said Klatt.

The board spent much time discussing how the County of Stettler would fairly distribute the small amount of strychnine and how empty strychnine bottles would be handled. Klatt stated several questions were forwarded by municipalities to the provincial government about the strychnine program, but no answers have been received yet.

The County of Stettler ASB passed two resolutions. The first was to prepare a communication plan for the public, including everything the municipality knows about the strychnine program and also to send a letter to the provincial government voicing concern about the volume of strychnine available.