Registration is now open for Cayuga County youth to get their tractor safety certification.
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cayuga County is once again offering its Youth Tractor Safety Certification Class. Under state law, teens between 14 and 16 must have the safety training to drive a tractor on any farm other than one owned by their parents.
Ron Kuck is the Agriculture Program Educator at the extension. He told Finger Lakes News Radio that the course is all-inclusive, covering topics such as how to work around machinery, tractor safety and driving, handling chemicals, and hazards on dairy and corn or soybean farms.
“It’s all-inclusive. And then, when they’re done, they’ll get a certificate from the Department of Labor that they can present to a prospective employer, said Kuck. “There’s a whole list of machinery and chores that they’re allowed to do on a farm with this certificate.”
The course runs from March 6 – April 20, taking place on Wednesdays throughout March and April with the final tests taking place on Saturday, April 20.
Space is limited and there is a $45.00 registration fee. Pre-registration is required and can be done on the extension’s website. The deadline to apply is March 1.
This will be the only course offered this year in the county.
