The University of Minnesota Extension will be offering Youth Tractor and Farm Safety Training at five 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 training is also a great opportunity for youth planning to work on their family’s farm.
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 for Tuesday, July 28 & Wednesday, July 29, at the NW Research & Outreach Center on the University of Minnesota-Crookston campus.
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. Contact Emily Krekelberg at krek0033@umn.edu for more information about scholarships.
Registration can be found at z.umn.edu/TractorSadetyReg26. Each location is limited to 10 students, so register today! If you have any questions, please contact Heather Dufault, Polk and Norman County Extension at pohl0024@umn.edu or call her cell at 218-280-1129.
