UMaine Extension offers farm tractor safety courses this spring

Sidney and Topsham, Maine — University of Maine Cooperative Extension will offer two multi-session farm tractor safety courses this spring. The Kennebec County session will be held on Monday evenings (and one Thursday) at Kramer Tractor, 2400 West River Road in Sidney, starting April 14. The Androscoggin/Sagadahoc counties session will be held on Tuesday evenings at Topsham Tractor and Equipment, 403 Lewiston Road in Topsham, starting April 22.

The training will include classroom lectures, tractor driving time and homework over the 5-part course, which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor. Successful completion of the course is required for 14- and 15-year-olds who plan to operate farm equipment for hire on farms other than their own family’s farm. Participants will learn how to safely handle tractors and equipment and how to avoid hazards and minimize the chance of accidents. Certificates will be issued after successful completion of the course, including a written test and a driving test. The program is designed for adults and youth at least 14 years of age. 

There is a sliding scale fee for the course of $40 (full price) or $20 (suggested for youth 14–17 and those who can afford 50% of the full course fee). Access to a computer, tablet or smartphone is required to complete homework assignments. More info including dates and registration links are available on the event webpage. For more information or to request reasonable accommodation, contact Jenni Cappello-Ruggiero at 207.781.6099 or extension.agcumberland@maine.edu.

University of Maine Cooperative Extension

As a trusted resource for over 100 years, University of Maine Cooperative Extension has supported UMaine’s land and sea grant public education role by conducting community-driven, research-based programs in every Maine county. UMaine Extension seeks to build thriving communities and grow the food-based economy, focusing on aspects from production and processing to nutrition, food safety and food security. Extension also conducts the most successful out-of-school youth educational program in Maine through 4-H which offers hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture and civic engagement and creates a positive environment where participants are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles.