The Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension Office is offering a Tractor and Machinery Training and Certification course. Successful completion of this program allows for youth under the age of 16 to engage in agricultural work activities if they are 14 or 15 years of age, despite the fact the activities are listed as "agricultural work activities classified as hazardous for youth under 16."

This year the course is the full 24-hour course which will allow youth that successfully complete the course to operate a tractor over 20 PTO horsepower and operate equipment, according to Extension Team Coordinator for 4-H Youth Development, Margo Bowerman. "Last year we offered the 14 hour course which certifies youth to operate a tractor over 20 PTO, but not any equipment. Since most agricultural operations require the equipment or machinery as much as the tractor, we felt offering the full course would be more beneficial to farm employees."

Interested youth must attend all classes (24 hours of instruction). Classes are from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds and will be held on May 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20 and 22 (Tuesdays and Thursdays), with the final exam on May 24 (Saturday) from 1 to 2 p.m.
For information, or to pre-register, call the Orleans County 4-H office (589-5561). Cost of the course is $20, payable at the first class.