The Bradford County 4-H & FFA Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation classes will start on March 16, 2010 from 6-8 P.M at the Penn State Cooperative Extension Office at 701 South Fourth St. in Towanda. The purpose of the classes is to help 14-16 year old youth learn how to be safe while operating tractors and equipment on a farm as well as recognize potential danger areas on a farm.
The class schedule will be as follows:
Tuesday, March 16 6-9 P.M.
Tuesday, March 23 6-9 P.M.
Tuesday, March 30 6-9 P.M.
Tuesday, April 13 6-9 P.M
Tuesday April 20 6-9 P.M
Tuesday April 27 Farm Visit 6-Dark P.M.
Wednesday April 28 Test
As part of the program youth will need to pass a written test, driving skills exam as well as a driving test. This program is taught by trained instructors from Penn State Cooperative Extension, the farming community and agricultural equipment industry.
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act it is illegal for youth under the age of 16 to do many agricultural tasks which are deemed hazardous by the U.S. Department of Labor while working on a farm that is not owned by their parent or a guardian. With a 24- hour training program, 14 and 15 year olds are exempt from this law and are allowed to operate tractors over 20 Horsepower as well as operate specific types of farm machinery.
Registration is limited to the first 20 applicants. Registrations are due to the Extension Office by March 9, 2010, 265-2896. The cost for the classes is $20.00. If you have already paid your $10.00 4-H materials fee to your 4-H club, it is only $10.00.
The program is organized and conducted by Penn State Cooperative Extension, Bradford County 4-H and Bradford County FFA. Participants will need to fill out an online 4-H member enrollment form at the beginning of the first class to be covered by Penn State insurance during the program. Computers will be set up the first night to be able to do this. Each youth will need to bring a parent or adult with them.
Who: All 4-Hers, ages 11 and up
