Farmers and ranchers are facing an unprecedented surge in the Richardson Ground Squirrel population with devastating effects to crops, pasture and farmland. The temporary lift of the nationwide ban on Strychnine in parts of Alberta and Saskatchewan has aided in crisis mitigation, but when the ban goes into effect again in 2027, what will farmers and ranchers do to maintain stability knowing full well the problem will return? Should the PMRA (Pest Management Regulatory Agency) be able to ban the use of effective tools especially when there are few alternatives? What will happen in 2027 and will it affect food security for consumers or agricultural stability for farmers? How do we trust our farmers and ranchers with pest control autonomy while also ensuring proper use of dangerous chemicals? In this episode, we’re digging into emergency Strychnine use.

Meet Our Guests

Wade Nelson, Owner and Operator of Highwood Valley Ranch
Along with his wife and parents, Wade owns and operates Highwood Valley Ranch––a fourth generation family operation south of Calgary and west of High River, Alberta. The ranch offers a mix of Angus cattle that are started and finished on grass and free choice oats. With 1500 acres of grain and 700 acres of grass, Highwood Valley Ranch is a mixed farm operation.

Jason Schneider, Rancher, Reeve of Vulcan County and Vice President of RMA Board

Jason owns and operates a fourth-generation grain farm in Vulcan County with his wife and two kids. He has sat on Vulcan County Council since 2013, serving as Reeve since 2016. Jason joined the RMA Board (Rural Municipalities of Alberta) in 2020 as the Director for District 1 and was elected Vice‑President in 2025 which includes all 69 rural and specialized municipalities in the province. Within the RMA, Jason serves on several internal committees, including federal advocacy, policy review, and the RMA Resolutions Committee, where he serves as Chair.

About UFA

UFA Co-operative was founded in 1909, UFA Co-operative Limited is an Alberta-based agricultural co-operative with more than 125,000 member-owners. UFA’s network comprises more than 121 bulk fuel and Cardlock Petroleum locations, 35 Farm & Ranch Supply stores and a support office in Calgary, AB. Independent Petroleum Agents and over 1,200 UFA employees provide products, services and agricultural solutions to farmers, ranchers, members and commercial customers in Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan. UFA is proud to give back to rural communities, ensuring they thrive for generations to come. Learn more at UFA.com.

About Your Host

Don Shafer, PhD, is an award winning broadcaster, veteran media executive, and recipient of the Canadian Music Hall of Fame’s Lifetime Achievement Award. He holds a PhD in Social Justice, bringing a rare blend of industry expertise and academic insight to the evolving media landscape.

Credits
Host: Don Shafer, PhD
Guests: Wade Nelson, Jason Schneider
Senior Writer: Eric La Febre
Showrunner: Jessica Grajczyk
Audio Producer: Scott Whittaker
Executive Producer: Jennifer Smith
Contributor: Trish Nixon