BELMONT, N.Y. — Cornell Cooperative Extension of Allegany County’s Agriculture Program is excited to announce: Tractor and Machine Safety Certification Training.
Each year the news media reports on farm deaths caused by tractor rollovers or machinery accidents involving power take off shafts, drive chains, pulleys, and v-belts. As homeowners purchase larger and faster lawn and garden equipment, there has been an increase in the number of equipment related injuries around home. A 4-H and FFA sponsored Tractor and Machinery Safety Certification Training was held at the Allegany County Fairgrounds in Angelica, NY on June 16-18, 2021.
Youth from 14 to 16 years of age can gain certification which legally enables their employment on working farms. While the certification is not required for youth working on their family farm, Cornell Cooperative Extension educators find many farm owners seek out the training for their children calling the class a valuable educational experience. As one farmer put it, “maybe a busy working dad isn’t the best one to cover safety training.” Some parents and employers have given credit to the newly trained employee for pointing out areas of concern or hidden dangers around the farm.
Special thanks to Landpro Equipment – Falconer, NY and Larry Romance and Son, Inc. – Arcade, NY for providing tractors for students to use during the training. To Cuba Rushford and Fillmore School Districts for support through their FFA programs; providing instruction from teachers Carly Santangelo and Kristen Brandt. Also, to Matt Hopkins from CA BOCES Belmont Campus and Lynn Bliven, CCE Allegany County who assisted with teaching the training which was held with support of the Allegany County Agricultural Society at the fairgrounds in Angelica.
This year we had 8 candidates take the training. They will be eligible to enter the Tractor Operators’ contest at the Allegany County Fair on Tuesday, July 21st at 9:30 AM.
Tractor and Machine Safety Certification 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.
–Cornell Cooperative Extension Allegany County
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