Training youth in safer tractor operation is a high priority in Vermont. Our young people living and working on farms operate a variety of agricultural equipment, including tractors.

Although many hazardous tasks may be performed only by employees 16 and up, agricultural labor law provides a training exemption for 14 and 15 year olds to be legally employed. This law applies only to hired labor, not immediate family of farm owners and operators.

Becoming a certified youth tractor safety instructor

To learn more about teaching a National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation course, get in touch with us or you can find more information on eXtension.org

Offering a youth certification class

We offer a curriculum library, safety demo materials such as a PTO simulator, and on-site assistance with leading a youth certification course.

Youth Farm and Tractor Safety Resources

You can find a collection of links to safety training resources on tractors and other farm safety topics in Vermont 4-H's Youth Farm Safety Project.

Inquiries and comments relating to youth agricultural safety education may be directed to the following UVM Extension personnel:

• Regarding youth tractor safety certification: contact Liz Kenton, 4-H Youth Agriculture Project Coordinator, at liz.kenton@uvm.edu or at 802-656-7535 or 1-800-278-5480 (VT only).
• To find out more about resources for in-school farm safety education events: contact Wendy Sorrell, State 4-H Livestock Educator, at wendy.sorrell@uvm.edu or at 802-656-7641 or 1-800-571-0668 (VT only).
• For information on Youth Farm Safety day-camp events: contact Martha Manning, 4-H Educator for Franklin and Grand Isle counties, at martha.manning@uvm.edu or at 802-656-7621 or 1-800-639-2130 (VT only).

There is more information on the National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program and the Hazardous Occupations Safety Training in Agriculture on eXtension.org

For more information on youth agricultural labor law visit the Department of Labor.

The Youth Agriculture Project's home base is the UVM Extension's Brattleboro office in the southeast corner of Vermont, close to the New Hampshire and Massachusetts lines.

Directions:

From the South: Take I-91 to Exit 1. At end of exit ramp, turn right onto Route 5 North (Canal Street). Go straight at traffic light and turn left onto Fairview Street (0.3 mi from I-91). Follow for 0.5 miles to stop sign and turn left onto Maple Street (note that Maple Street traffic does not have a stop sign). Follow Maple Street for 0.2 miles to Austine Drive (next left after going under highway overpass). Follow straight up hill to Holton Hall, being cautious of speed bumps. The main entrance is next to the parking area, on the long side of the building. Use the elevator right inside the entrance. The Extension office is located on Floor 3. Turn right after getting off the elevator and look for the "Reception" sign.

From the North: Take I-91 to Exit 1. At end of exit ramp, turn left onto Route 5 North (Canal Street). Go straight at traffic light and turn left onto Fairview Street (0.4 mi from I-91). Follow for 0.5 miles to stop sign and turn left onto Maple Street (note that Maple Street traffic does not have a stop sign). Follow Maple Street for 0.2 miles to Austine Drive (next left after going under highway overpass). Follow straight up hill to Holton Hall, being cautious of speed bumps. The main entrance is next to the parking area, on the long side of the building> Use the elevator right inside the entrance. The Extension office is located on Floor 3. Turn right after getting off the elevator and look for the "Reception" sign.