Maryland Cooperative Extension will host a tractor/farm equipment safety class which includes twenty-five hours of required instruction time from February to early April. This training is for all youth ages 14-16 wishing to work on a farm or to operate a tractor of 20 or more horsepower. Youth wishing to work in the lawn care industry will find this training most beneficial as well. Exempt from this class is any minor employed by their parents or guardians.

Farmers are required by law to have a copy of the completed certification on file for youth to work on the farm when using tractors and equipment. The Hazardous Occupations Order in Agriculture states that all youth working in the agricultural industry must receive training and be certified.

Participants are required to complete the entire course and participate in class instruction on the following dates: Wednesday, February 25 (6-9 p.m.); Saturday, February 28 (10 a.m.- 4 p.m.); Wednesday, March 4 (6-9 p.m); Saturday, March 14 (10 a.m-4 p.m.); Wednesday, March 25 (6-9 p.m.) and Sunday, April 5 (1- 4 p.m). Each class will take place in a location within Talbot or Queen Anne’s County. The first class on Wednesday, February 25 will take place at the Queen Anne’s County Extension office, 505 Railroad Ave., Centreville.

A pre-registration fee of $20 per participant is required by February 20. Checks are to be made payable to the University of Maryland, and sent to Caroline County Extension, 207 S. Third St., Denton, MD 21629. The fee covers the cost of materials. Youth must attend all sessions to become certified. A minimum of ten youth must be registered to hold this class.
Please contact Sharon Pahlman, 410 479-4030 if you have questions. This training is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access program.