The Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health (CS-CASH) at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Public Health, in collaboration with Nebraska Extension, has announced the dates for its annual tractor and equipment safety training courses. These sessions will take place at eight locations across Nebraska during May and June.
“Young farmers and ranchers are more apt to experience injuries and fatalities due to factors that can be attributed to their inexperience, physical limitations, and environmental risks,” said Ellen Duysen, associate research professor and CS-CASH outreach specialist. “By completing this training, these young workers gain awareness of the many hazards associated with agricultural work and develop skills through hands-on training.”
Federal law restricts youth under the age of 16 from operating certain farm equipment unless the farm is owned by their parents or legal guardians. However, certification through the National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program (NSTMOP) provides an exemption, allowing 14- and 15-year-olds to drive tractors and operate specific mechanized equipment.
In Nebraska, CS-CASH and Nebraska Extension work together to offer NSTMOP certification. This certification is earned by completing a two-day course that includes both a written test and a driving exam. Youth who complete the training are certified to operate tractors and certain mechanized equipment on farms and ranches and can also obtain a husbandry permit.
Course Details:
- Day One: The first day covers the essential components of NSTMOP, as well as additional training in emergency response, stop-the-bleed techniques, personal protective equipment and other lifesaving skills.
- Day Two: The second day includes a hands-on driving test, equipment operation and ATV safety lessons. Students will be required to demonstrate their ability to hitch and unhitch equipment, as well as drive a tractor and trailer through a standardized course. Instructors will also provide education on safe practices and legal guidelines for ATVs, utility task vehicles (UTVs) and other off-road vehicles (ORVs).
The cost for the two-day course is $60, which covers educational materials, online learning access (if applicable), supplies, and lunch and snacks for in-person training sessions.
Additional Information:
Youth under the age of 14 can attend Day One if accompanied by an adult, but they are not eligible to drive equipment, participate in Day Two or receive certification. Students under 14 must register, but they will not be charged a fee. Adults who want to increase their knowledge about safe farm practices are also urged to attend.
Day 1:
- May 21-22 – Cuming County Fairgrounds, West Washington Street, West Point, Nebraska
- May 27 – Cass County Fairgrounds, 8400 144th Street, Weeping Water, Nebraska
- May 28-29 – Lincoln, Logan, McPherson County Extension Office, 348 West State Farm Road, North Platte, Nebraska
- June 3-4 – Legacy of the Plains Museum, 2930 Old Oregon Trail, Gering, Nebraska
- June 5 – Dawes County Fairgrounds, North Main Street, Chadron, Nebraska
- June 9-10 – Raising Nebraska, 501 East Fonner Park Road, Suite 100, Grand Island, Nebraska
- June 11-12 – AKRS Equipment, 49110 US Highway 20, O’Neill, Nebraska
- June 17-19 – Upper Big Blue NRD, 319 East 25th Street, York, Nebraska
- Virtual Module – For those attending a location that only offers Day One or are attending a location that offers both days but live 50 miles or more from the location.
To register, visit: go.unmc.edu/tractor-safety-training
Contact Kelsey Irvine at kepalm@unmc.edu or 402-321-4236 with questions.