FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Lynn A. Bliven
Cornell University Cooperative Extension
Phone: 585.268.7644 ext. 18
E-mail: lao3@cornell.edu
2024 Youth Tractor & Machinery Certification Program
The 4-H and FFA Tractor & Machinery Certification Program will be offered at the Cooperative Extension Center (5435 County Rd 48 Belmont, NY 14813) on June 14th from 11:00 AM- 4:00 PM and Cuba-Rushford HS (5476 Rt. 305, Cuba, NY 14727) on June 19 and 21 from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Youth must attend all 3 sessions to receive certification. Pre-registration is required by Friday, May 31st.
State Law requires that 14-16-year-olds be certified before operating farm tractors and machinery. Cornell Cooperative Extension Allegany County and the Vo-Ag Instructors are once again cooperating to provide this training. Registration and Authorization of Consent Forms are available from the 4-H office in Belmont by calling 585-268-7644 Ext. 18 (e-mail lao3@cornell.edu) or from the following Vocational Agriculture Instructors: Carly Santangelo – Cuba-Rushford, Sara Haggerty – Fillmore, and Carolyn Wright – Genesee Valley. The forms and registration fee are due in the 4-H office by May 31, 2024 or can be handed in to your Ag Teachers. Fee for training is $20, you may borrow manual for the duration of training or purchase manual for an addition $20.
Many farm accidents happen because people do not recognize dangers and/or are careless around hazardous machinery. Since working on a farm is a hazardous occupation, we need to be sure that young operators have had instruction in safe operation of farm machinery. Youth operating more powerful lawn tractors with multiple attachments are susceptible to many of the same dangers faced on farms while working in the backyard. While certification is not required for youth working at home, this safety program can help ensure family safety when operating lawn mower and gardening equipment. Each 4-H and FFA youth that passes the course is eligible to enter the Tractor Operators’ Contest at the Allegany County Fair on Wednesday, July 17th.
The Youth Tractor & Machinery Certification Program is one of many programs offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Allegany County (CCE-Allegany). The association is part of the national cooperative extension system, an educational partnership between County, State, and Federal governments. As New York’s land grant university Cornell administers the system in this state. For more information, call 525-268-7644 or visit our website at www.cce.cornell.edu/allegany. Cornell University Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities.
Photo credit: Lynn Bliven
Lynn A. Bliven
Agriculture & Natural Resources Issue Leader
Cornell Cooperative Extension Allegany County
5435A County Rd 48
Belmont, NY 14813
