The annual National Safe Tractor and Machinery program is suggested for youth planning to be employed to drive tractors or operate farm machinery. To successfully complete the course, youth are required to be 14 years of age by April 15, 2025, attend 24 hours of training, demonstrate the ability to safely drive a tractor, and pass both a skills and written test.
The deadline to register is Friday, February 21.
Penn State Extension Adams County in the Agricultural & Natural Resources Center, 670 Old Harrisburg Road, Gettysburg, will be the location for the first meeting on Monday, February 24, 2025, from 7:00-9:00 p.m. In addition to February 24, meetings will be 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. on the following evenings: March 4, 10, 17, and April 1 and 7.
Two area high school agriculture programs will host sessions at their schools, an equipment dealership will host a machinery night, and sessions will be held at two local farms. The written test will be on Tuesday, April 15, at the Adams County Agricultural and Natural Resources Center. Bermudian Springs Middle School will host a tractor driving skills test on April 22, with participants demonstrating their ability to drive a tractor safely.
The cost for the training is $25 for 4-H members or $30 for non-4-H members. The course provides each participant with a copy of the National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program educational materials. Enrollment is limited to 15 youth.
County Vocational Agriculture teachers and Penn State Extension collaborate to conduct the National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation program. Registration forms may be obtained by contacting the Adams County Penn State Extension office at 717-334-6271 or emailing adamsext@psu.edu.
Administered in Pennsylvania by Penn State Extension, 4-H is a non-formal educational youth development program of the United States Department of Agriculture that helps young people develop knowledge and skills to become capable, caring, and contributing citizens.
To find your local program, visit the Penn State Extension website at https://extension.psu.edu/programs/4-h.