Tractor safety course to be offered

Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension will be offering a course for tractor and machinery operation. Successful completion of this course provides exemption to 14 and 15-year-olds from the Hazardous Occupations Order in Agriculture which prevents youth under 16 from performing hazardous agricultural tasks.

To qualify for the exemption and receive a USDOL Certificate of Training the youth: must be an enrolled 4-H member or enroll in the 4-H Special Interest program (for insurance purposes); be 14 years of age or older; complete 24 hours of instruction; pass a standardized written examination and demonstrate the ability to safely operate a tractor with a two wheeled trailed implement on a course.

The course will be offered on Saturdays, beginning February 11 through April 8, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Bentley Brothers in Albion. Students must attend all classes. Cost is $10. Scholarships may be available for students demonstrating financial hardship.

For information and to register for the course, contact Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension at 589-5561 by February 8.

February 5, 2006