Events are listed in chronological order below. All events are free unless otherwise stated.
Youth Tractor & Farm Safety
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
UMN Extension to offer Tractor and Farm Safety Training for Youth this summer
Contact: Emily Krekelberg, UMN Extension | 612-756-3977,
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.
An in-person training is scheduled for August 12-13 from 9 AM to 4 PM each day. The training will take place at the Isanti County Fairgrounds (3101 MN-95) in Cambridge, MN. This training is offered every other year in East Central Minnesota, so make sure you sign up soon to get your spot.
Two years ago, Extension certified eight youths, some of which had never driven a tractor before. With the certification they can legally work off-farm as an employee. They also had fun while learning about handling livestock, electrical safety, grain bin safety, and so much more.
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
Registration can be found at z.umn.edu/TractorSafetyReg25. Each location is limited to 10 students so register today! If you have any questions, please contact Katie Hagen at