Food + Farm Offering Tractor Safety

Food + Farm Exploration Center is now enrolling youth ages 12–17 for its Youth Tractor & Farm Safety Course, an intensive training program designed to promote safe agricultural practices and prepare young people for real-world farm work. Two sessions will be offered in March 2026 at Food + Farm Exploration Center in Plover.

The multi-day course combines classroom instruction, hands-on learning, and supervised tractor operation. Upon successful completion, participants meet the requirements of Wisconsin Act 455 and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Agricultural Hazardous Occupations Order, earning certification required for legal tractor operation in applicable agricultural work settings.

Agriculture remains one of the most hazardous industries in the United States, particularly for young people. Youth under 20 years of age experience thousands of agricultural injuries each year, and machinery—including tractors and other farm equipment—is a leading cause of these incidents. Every three days, a child dies in an agriculture-related incident, and on average more than 30 children are injured every day in farm-related mishaps. Tractor overturns and other equipment-related events account for a significant portion of serious youth injuries and fatalities on farms.

These statistics highlight the importance of structured safety education and hands-on training for youth who live, work, or spend time on farms. The Youth Tractor & Farm Safety Course helps participants build practical skills and essential safety awareness to reduce risks and promote safe behavior around farm machinery.

Course Details

• Who: Youth ages 12–17
• Cost: $75 per participant
• Capacity: Limited to 25 participants per session
• Where: Food + Farm Exploration Center, 3400 Innovation Drive, Plover
• Session Dates:
  • March 16–20, 2026 (Registration deadline: March 1)
    March 23–27, 2026 (Registration deadline: March 8)
• Safety Awareness Day (Optional)
  • April 3, 2026 – Farm Tour, Stop the Bleed and Hands Only CPR