The University of Minnesota Extension will be offering Youth Tractor and Farm Safety Training at four locations across the state this summer. The youth tractor and farm safety certification program provides youth 14 years and older the opportunity to learn about safe equipment operation and general farm safety. Students who complete the program are eligible to receive a U.S. Department of Labor certificate of training. This certificate is required for 14 and 15-year-olds who wish to work on farms as employees. This hybrid training includes an online course on the National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program learning objectives and two days of in-person training that include tractor operation instruction in a safe learning environment. The online course takes 8 to 10 hours to complete and can be done at the participant’s own pace. After completing the online course, participants attend a two-day in-person training with hands-on instruction. All sections of the online course must be completed prior to attending an in-person session.
In-person training days are scheduled locally for the following dates and locations: Polk Norman County Fairgrounds, in Ada, July 19 and July 20.
The cost to take this course is $40 per student and includes all materials and meals on training days. Scholarships are available to ensure all students who want to complete the training can do so. If you need more information on other locations across the state, please visit the link. Contact Heather Dufault for more information. Additional information and registration can be found at z.umn.edu/TractorSafety. If you have any questions, please contact Heather Dufault at pohl0024@umn.edu or (218)280-1129 (cell) or Polk County Extension office at (218)563-2465 or Norman County Extension office at (218)784-5550.
