Nebraska Extension Tractor Safety and Hazardous Occupations Courses will be held at nine sites this year. Teens 14 or 15 years old who will work on a farm should plan to attend.

Federal law prohibits youth under 16 years of age from working on a farm for anyone other than parents or legal guardians. Certification received through this course grants an exemption to the law allowing 14- and 15-year-olds to drive a tractor and to do field work with specific mechanized equipment.

The most common cause of agricultural-related death in Nebraska is overturned tractors and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). Extensive training on tractor and ATV safety occurs during in-class lessons with hands-on activities. Instilling an attitude of  "safety first" and respect for agricultural equipment are primary goals of the class.

The course consists of two days of instruction plus homework assignments. The first day of classroom instruction includes hands-on demonstrations, concluding with a written test.  Students are required to pass the written test before taking the driving test on day two.

Classroom instruction will cover the required elements of the National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program. Students will complete homework assignments that will be due on day two. The second day will include a driving test, equipment operation, and ATV safety lessons. To receive certification, students must demonstrate competence in hitching and unhitching equipment and driving a tractor and trailer through a standardized course.

Two locations, Gordon and McCook, will offer online course instruction to replace the first day of the two-day course. Students can complete this work at their convenience before attending the driving component of the course on-site.

All on-site classes begin at 8 a.m.; end times will vary, depending on the number of participants.

Registration

Participants must submit registration forms to the location they will attend at least one week before the course.  The registration form is also available online on the Nebraska Extension in Kearney County website.

Cost of the course is $60, which includes educational materials, instruction, supplies, and lunches. For more information, see the program flyer or contact the Extension Office of the location where the student will attend.