REGINA — An organization that represents rural communities in Saskatchewan is urging the federal government not to ban the use of the deadly pesticide strychnine on farms. The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities says strychnine is the best way to kill gophers, which can seriously damage crops and pasture. Ray Orb, the association’s president, says it opposes the ban and wants the public consultation time extended. “We believe it is the safest product than can be used for Richardson’s ground squirrels,” Orb said Wednesday. Some farmers in Alberta also use strychnine to kill gophers to protect crops and livestock.

Source: National Post August 15, 2018 21:00 UTC