The Tractor and Machinery Certification/Training program has been available for many years to 14 and 15 year old youth wishing to operate tractors and farm machinery for non-related parties (for hire). In addition, Wisconsin Law (Act 455) requires any child under the age of 16 (minimum 12 years of age) who operates a farm tractor or self-propelled implements of husbandry on the highway (public road), when working for immediate family, to be certified as having successfully completed a tractor and machinery operation safety training course. There are no family or relative exemptions. This law (Act 455) took effect July 1, 1997. The legislature considered and accepted lower age limit i.e. 12 years of age. This amendment passed and was signed on April 27, 1998.
This training program is designed to meet the necessary requirements for certification for compliance under Wisconsin Act 455 (youth under 16) and for those youth 14 and 15 desiring training and federal certification for farm employment (Part 570 Child Labor Regulations). The 24-hour program includes: hands on instruction for tractors and farm machinery operation; hazard recognition and correction; general farm safety knowledge and stresses the importance of a positive attitude towards safety.
The course will be taught by La Crosse and Monroe County Extension Agents and Vo-Ag Instructors from Tomah, Brookwood, Cashton, Bangor and Sparta School Districts. Guest speakers will also help teach the course. The training will be conducted at Sparrow’s Nest at the Abbey, 17304 Havenwood Road, Sparta, WI. Please notice that this is a 24-hour training program (classroom & assignments). Students are required to attend all sessions. They must pass both a written and a driving exam. The course is taught at a 14-15 year-old age level. Space is limited.
Youth must be at least 12 years old at the time of the class to participate. All participants must be physically large enough to reach and operate all tractor controls while fully seated in the tractor seat. Participants must wear closed-toe shoes and appropriate attire for weather and operating farm machinery.
All COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed. Equipment and facilities will be sanitized in between participants. Participants must wear a mask over the nose and mouth at all times. Hand sanitizer will be available. Participants will be sent home if these protocols are not followed.
Tractor/Machinery Training Schedule
Monday June 14, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday June 15, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday June 16, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
*Youth will need to bring a bag lunch each day!
(Class may run later if necessary to complete any unfinished driving skill evaluations and/or testing.)
For more information, please contact Bill Halfman at the Monroe County Extension Office (608)269-8722. Registrations are due by Monday, June 7, 2021. Program cost is $40, please make checks payable to UW Extension and mail with the completed Registration and Behavior Form 2021 (PDF, 175 KB) and Activity Waiver 2021 (PDF, 288 KB) to Monroe County Extension, 206 South K Street, Sparta, WI 54656. Forms can be found at: https://monroe.extension.wisc.edu/4-h-youth-development/4-h-events/tractor-safety/
