Cornell Cooperative Extension of Madison County will again offer the 4-H Tractor Safety and Certification Course in 2018. This seven-session course will cover many aspects of farm safety with an emphasis on safely operating farm equipment and safety around animals.

This course is open to 14 and 15 year-olds interested in working on a farm. The program will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday evenings, starting Feb. 26 until April 2.

To successfully complete the program, participants must attend all sessions and pass both a written exam and a practical driving test. As part of the program, participants will have the opportunity to practice driving tractors and skidsteers during two Saturday sessions (March 10 and 24).

These driving sessions are highly encouraged to ensure that everyone is comfortable operating equipment before the mandatory driving test. Upon successful completion of the test, participants will receive a certificate from the Department of Labor. Employers are required by law to ask for this certificate before hiring a 14 or 15 year old to work on their farm.

The 4-H Tractor Safety and Certification Course class fee is $10 and includes the manual and all printed materials. Enrollment is required before the first session. To register, go online to reg.cce.cornell.edu/Tractor Safety_225 and for more information contact Sarah Ficken at 315-684-3001 ext. 108 or [email protected].

This program is a cooperative effort between Cornell Cooperative Extension of Madison County, the Madison County FFA Agricultural Programs and Morrisville State College. The sessions will be held at the following locations: Morrisville State College, Cazenovia Equipment, Gold Star Feed and Grain, White’s Farm Supply, Stockbridge Valley School, Kelsey’s Monafran Farms and Madison Central School. Participants will be provided with a schedule upon registration.

For more information, visit the CCE office at 1000 Eaton St. in Morrisville or on the web at madisoncountycce.org.