Press release:

The Genesee County 4-H Program is now accepting registrations for its 2023 4-H Tractor Safety Program.  The program is open to youth age 14 and over and covers farm safety, tractor safety, tractor operation and other related topics. 

The National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program is a certification program that allows youth ages 14 and 15 to be certified to legally operate farm equipment for hire.  After completing the training course, youth will need to pass a written knowledge test and driving test to receive the certification.

The program is scheduled to run Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon, from January through April at farm machinery dealerships throughout Genesee County.  The fee for the program is $25, and youth must also be currently enrolled 4-H members.  Registrations are due January 28, 2023.  To register for the program or receive more information, please contact the Genesee County 4-H Office at genesee4h@cornell.edu or (585) 343-3040 ext. 101.  Registration forms are also available online at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/4htractorsafety

Photo: File photo from 2016 by Howard Owens

About a dozen high school students from the region took part in the classroom lecture portion of a 14-week tractor safety course sponsored by Cornell Cooperative Extension at Java Farm Supply in Batavia on Saturday.

The classes are held at multiple farm equipment sales locations in the county with a safety-driving test this spring at Empire Tractor.

The instructor Saturday was Deputy Kevin McCarthy.

Topics over the length of the course include tractor controls, preventative maintenance, operation, connecting equipment, driving practice, a written test, and a skills test. Students who pass the course will be licensed to operate farm equipment.

The Genesee County 4-H Program will be offering a Youth Tractor Safety Program beginning in January 2019. The program is open to all youth ages 14 to 15 and covers farm safety, tractor safety, tractor operation and other related topics.  

The National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program is a certification program that enables youth be certified to operate farm equipment for hire. After completing the training course, youth will need to pass a written knowledge test and driving test to receive the certification.  

The program is scheduled to run Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., January through March. The fee for the program is $30. Youth are also required to be current enrolled 4-H members.

Instruction takes place at various farm machinery dealerships countywide.

To request a registration packet or more information, please call the Genesee County 4-H Office at 585-343-3040, ext. 101, or visit the website here.

The Genesee County 4-H Program will be offering a Youth Tractor Safety Program beginning in January. The program is open to all youth ages 14 to 15 and covers farm safety, tractor safety, tractor operation and other related topics.

The National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program is a certification program that enables youth be certified to operate farm equipment for hire. After completing the training course, youth will need to pass a written knowledge test and driving test to receive the certification.

The program is scheduled to run Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., January through March. The fee for the program is $25.

Youth are also required to be current enrolled 4-H members. To request a registration packet or more information, please call the Genesee County 4-H Office at 585-343-3040, ext. 101 or visit our website here.

Students participating in the 4-H Club's annual tractor safety course were tested today on their hands-on knowledge at Empire Tractor.

Above, Christian Gerold steers through an obstacle course, and below, Tim Zipfel attached a combine to the back of a tractor while instructor Tim Adams scores his effort. Zipfel passed.

It was test day today for the 10 students who took the 14-class course in tractor safety through 4-H.

The class is open to 14- and 15-year-olds.

The tests were conducted at Empire Tractor on East Main Street Road, Batavia.

Above, Matt Horine backs a tractor to a hitch while being graded by Tim Adams.

Below, a student drives through the obstacle course.