To prepare youth for the upcoming summer farm season, Food + Farm Exploration Center is now enrolling youth ages 12-17 for its June Youth Tractor & Farm Safety Certification Course, beginning June 8.
This training provides the certification required for youth to legally operate tractors in many agricultural
work environments, while building critical safety skills during one of the busiest times of year on farms.
Scholarship support may be available for eligible participants through the Mike Biadasz Farm Safety and
Education Memorial Fund, helping expand access to this essential safety training. Interested participants
can learn more and complete a scholarship application form available on the course registration page.
The course runs weekdays, June 8-12 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., followed by a hands-on driving
practicum on June 15.
Participants receive a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training, covering:
- Tractor operation and control systems
- Hazard identification and risk reduction
- Equipment inspection and maintenance
- Safe operating practices in real-world conditions
Upon successful completion of both a written exam and driving test, participants earn certification that meets Wisconsin Act 455 and the U.S. Department of Labor Agricultural Hazardous Occupations Order requirements.
According to the National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety, agriculture remains a leading source of youth injuries, with machinery-related incidents among the most common causes. Structured training programs like this play a critical role in reducing preventable accidents.
Course Details
- Who: Youth ages 12–17
- Cost: $75 per participant (scholarships available)
- Capacity: Limited — advance registration required
- Where: Food + Farm Exploration Center, Plover
- Course Dates: June 8–12, 2026 (8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.)
- Driving Practicum: June 15 (scheduled individually)
Registration is now open: https://explorefoodandfarm.org/events
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