Gophers have, and continue to cause trouble for producers in southern Saskatchewan. A new government rebate program could make things a little better.

 

We have the news release from the Government of Saskatchewan:

 

Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud has announced a one-time rebate program for costs associated with controlling gophers in Saskatchewan.

 

"We recognize that gophers are a serious problem, especially in Southern Saskatchewan," Bjornerud said.

 

The new Gopher Control Rebate program will reimburse producers for 50 per cent of the cost of eligible gopher control products purchased and used between August 1, 2007, and October 1, 2008. This rebate applies to 25 eligible products, including strychnine (in both dry and liquid forms), Phostoxin, Agrium Groundforce and Rozol Plus.

 

Rural municipalities (RMs) and First Nations bands are also eligible for the rebate. RMs are eligible if they either purchased gopher control products for distribution to their ratepayers at a subsidized price or if they applied the products on municipal land.

 

"We're working to develop a long-term solution for controlling gophers," Bjornerud said. "In the meantime, I hope this program will help ease some of the financial burden for farmers and ranchers dealing with gophers."

 

Application forms are available at RM offices, Ministry of Agriculture regional offices, the Ministry of Agriculture website at www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca, and by calling 1-866-947-9113. The deadline to apply is January 30, 2009.

 

In March, Minister Bjornerud announced $380,000 to research solutions to combat the widespread damage caused by gophers in Saskatchewan - 164 RMs have also pledged $82,000 to this project. The research is scheduled to conclude in 2011.