MIDDLETOWN, N.Y. — The 2019 Cornell Cooperative Extension 4-H Tractor Program is open to any youth, 14 years old and above, who wants to receive certification to work on a farm this summer and/or is looking for a fun, educational experience. The U.S. Department of Labor declares certain farm occupations too “hazardous” for youth below the age of 16. Tractor driving is included on this list, and these youths are prohibited from working on any farm except their home farm. An exemption is permitted for youth under 16 (but over 14) if they have successfully completed a basic Tractor Safety Course.
Participants are expected to attend six meetings at local tractor dealers and be tested. Meetings are scheduled for Wednesdays:
- February 20 (Cornell Cooperative Extension Office, Middletown)
- February 27 (Chambers Ford, Montgomery)
- March 6 (Hudson River Tractor Company, Goshen),
- March 13 (Pine Bush Equipment)
- March 20 (Pine Bush Equipment)
- March 27 (Cornell Cooperative Extension Office, Middletown)
These meetings are held from 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. There will be driving practice on Saturday, April 13 with the testing on Saturday, April 27. Sign up is due by February 8, and can be done by calling the 4-H Office at 344-1234, or online at www.cceorangecounty.org. Registration fee is $7.00 for 4-H members, $22.00 for non-members.
–Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County
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