The purpose of this program is to teach youth about tractor, machinery, and farm safety.

Tractor and farm machinery operators need to be knowledgeable and safety-smart. Studies show that many farm accidents are caused by inexperience, carelessness, haste, fatigue, stress, or poor judgment or attitude. These problems, and practical tractor operation, will be discussed by program instructors.

With certification, youth ages 12 to 16 will be allowed to operate tractors or self-propelled implements of husbandry on a public road, under the direction of their parent or guardian (state law).

Youth ages 14-15 will be certified to be employed or to work without pay on a farm other than their family farm (federal law). They will be certified in:

1) Tractor Operation – Operating a tractor over 20 PTO horsepower. This includes connecting or disconnecting equipment or any equipment parts to or from a tractor.

2) Equipment Operation – Operating or assisting to operate equipment listed below. This includes starting, stopping, adjusting, feeding, or any activity including physical contact associated with the operation of the equipment listed. This equipment includes: hay mower, hay baler, forage harvester, forage blower, unloading mechanism of a non-gravity-type self unloading wagon or trailer, grain combine, corn picker, auger conveyor, feed grinder, crop dryer, cotton picker, post-hole digger, post driver, non-walking-type rotary tiller, and mobile pea viner.

Upon successful completion of this 24-hour program, the student will receive certification in both the State and Federal Tractor and Machinery Programs. This safety program is directed toward youth who are 12-16 years of age. To enroll, youth must be at least 12 years of age the day that the class begins.

The state certification is good for four years. The federal certification will automatically be issued when youth reach their 14th birthday.

In order for a youth to successfully complete the program and receive the Wisconsin Safe Operation of Tractor and Machinery Certificate of Training, he or she must:

• Attend 24 hours of instructional training;
• Pass written exam with a score of 70% or greater; and
• Pass a driving exam, which demonstrates tractor driving ability in a 2-wheel course with a trailed implement.

Students will also be asked to complete a 15-question identification quiz.

Students must bring lunch and a beverage to each class for noon lunches, and a writing utensil.