Teens 14 or 15-years of age who work on farms, others who are interested in learning about sa farming practices, can register for a tractor safe training course offered at various locations acro Nebraska from May 25 through June 10. The course sponsored by the University of Nebraska Extensi and the Central States Center for Agricultural Safe and Health at the University of Nebraska Medic Center College of Public Health.

Students will complete the first day of the course either by attending a hands-on event at one of two locations or online through the Extension Foundation Campus website. The hands-on events will take place May 24 in North Platte and May 26 in Grand Island. After successfully completing the hands-on event or the online course and testing, the required driving test will be offered at six locations across Nebraska.

Federal law prohibits children under 16 years of age from using certain equipment on a farm unless their parents or legal guardians own the farm. However, certification received through the course grants an exemption to the law allowing 14- and 15-year-olds to drive a tractor and to do field work with certain mechanized equipment.

Susan Harris, University of Nebraska Extension educator, said a common cause of agricultural-related injuries and deaths in Nebraska is overturned tractors and ATVs. She emphasized that this course is designed to train students how to avoid these incidents as well as many other hazards on the farm and ranch.

The hands-on event and the online course will cover the required elements of the National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program, including quizzes that students must pass to attend the driving portion of training. Once a student is registered, they will be sent instructions, materials, course paperwork and a link to the online course if they will not be attending one of the two hands-on events.

The on-site driving training and exam will include a driving test and equipment operation and ATV safety lessons. Students must demonstrate competence in hitching and unhitching equipment and driving a tractor and trailer through a standardized course. Instructors also will offer education about safe behaviors and laws for ATVs, utility-task vehicles (UTVs) and other off-road vehicles (ORVs).

The cost of the course is $25 and includes educational materials and supplies. Payment will be made at the time of the driving exam. Only checks and cash are accepted.

A Tractor Driving Day will be held June 8 at AKRS Equipment, 44098 Hwy 2, Broken Bow, (Todd Sutherland). For more information contact Denise Daake at 308-872-6831 or email denise.daake@unl.edu.