The Gopher Patrol: Solutions and Successes in Pest Control

By Shalyn McKenna, Communications Consultant, Communications Branch, Regina

In primary agriculture, whether growing crops or raising livestock, the work never stops—and the last thing a producer needs to deal with are pesky critters or invasive species interrupting that work by causing trouble in their operations.

It’s something producers in Saskatchewan already know well: there are various pests, crop diseases and invasive weeds which can potentially cause considerable damage to crops, affect yields, diminish grazing capacity for pastures or even lead to livestock injury. While such challenges aren’t necessarily new, the approaches and methods for dealing with them are continually being reviewed and adjusted with an eye to greater effectiveness and, ultimately, better results.

Recently, there have been changes to how producers can manage certain rodents, such as Richardson’s ground squirrels. Strychnine was deregistered by the Government of Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency and, as of 2023, can no longer be used in Canada.

This has, however, provided an opportunity for other control options to take centre stage. The Gopher Control Program was introduced last year as one of the five pest-related initiatives under the Pest Biosecurity Program, administered by the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM).

“SARM is enthusiastic about collaborating with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture to deliver the Pest Biosecurity Program as part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. The need for these programs is great among SARM members,” SARM President Ray Orb said.

“A prime example is the uptake of the new Gopher Control Program, which, in its original year, has seen double the claims initially estimated.”

The objective of the Gopher Control Program is to provide a long-term, sustainable management system by covering the costs of registered gopher control products as well as raptor platforms—structures intended to attract predatory birds and encourage natural predation of rodents—as best management practices to keep gopher populations under control. Rural Municipalities (RMs) and First Nations can apply directly through SARM and submit a claim form and supporting documents such as invoices, while producers and other stakeholders need to apply through their respective RM.

Numerous RMs, First Nations and producers applied in 2023, with all claims being approved for that year, and the significant uptake was an indicator of the pressing need for this type of control program in the province. Its popularity, even in its inaugural year, is perhaps understandable. The program helps RMs, First Nations, and producers control various types of ground squirrels (Richardson’s, Franklin’s, thirteen-lined, and the Northern pocket gopher) also collectively known as gophers. While gophers or ground squirrels are a natural part of our prairie landscape, economic and environmental problems may arise when their populations get too large.

Currently, the funding covers eligible claimants to a maximum of 50 per cent paid for pest control products registered for use on gophers and up to $125 per raptor platform, but not exceeding 50 per cent of total expenses reported for the claim. Ultimately, this helps support natural and sustainable ways to control ground rodent populations.

The program’s scope of pest management doesn’t end there. “SARM has noticed a growing number of RMs accessing the expertise, educational efforts, and support offered by the program’s six Plant Health Technical Advisors,” Orb added.

Beyond providing access to Plant Health Technical Advisors for RMs, First Nations, and producers, the Pest Biosecurity Program also deals with support regarding invasive weeds, rats, nuisance beavers and diseases as declared under Saskatchewan’s pest legislation. It’s all part of the Ministry of Agriculture’s commitment to using a sustainable, science-based approach to pest management in order to best serve producers and communities. Funding is provided through Sustainable CAP, a five-year, $485-million investment by provincial and federal governments in strategic initiatives for agriculture in the province.

The Gopher Control Program is available again in 2024, and the deadline to submit claims to SARM is July 31. Claim form and program guidelines are available on SARM’s website, under their programs tab. If you have questions on this or any of the other pest control programs, contact your division Plant Health Technical Advisor or Annette Ellert, Agriculture Program Administrator, at aellert@sarm.ca or at 306-761-3744.