Rodent control in agriculture is hugely important. Rats have been declared to be pests by most provincial governments, making it possible for farmers to eradicate colonies when detected. In California, rodents destroy an estimated US$500 million worth of crop production, or about 7% of total production value. Crop losses in Canada are estimated to range from $15-30 million annually, with livestock...
The strongest version of this narrative highlights the real and immediate economic impact of rodent infestations on farmers, particularly in regions like the Canadian Prairies. The historical context of gopher control—from schoolchildren hunting gophers to government bounties—underscores the long-standing severity of the problem. The article effectively demonstrates how the ban on strychnine, driven by environmental concerns, created unintended consequences, forcing farmers to bear significant c...