The Wisconsin Youth Tractor & Machinery Safety Certification Program is designed to meet requirements established by the US Department of Labor, pertaining to special provisions made for the employment of youth ages 14-15 on farms not operated by their parents. In addition, Wisconsin Act 455 provides specific provisions for tractor operation by 12-13-year-olds. UW-Madison Extension endorses the curriculum Gearing Up for Safety developed by Purdue University in cooperation with leading farm safety experts throughout the U.S.
These curricula are a supplement to the safety certification program.
- Starting Up (Tractors, Level A)—Designed for youth with little or no prior agricultural tractor and equipment experience, the project skills covered in this book include: proper safety procedures, mechanics of the engine, accessory equipment, how to use the operator’s manual, maintenance of the agricultural tractor, and function of different operational systems.
- Gearing Up for Safety (Tractors, Level B)—This manual is designed for youth with little or no prior agricultural tractor and equipment experience. Much of the manual is devoted to farm and tractor safety, and tractor maintenance. Also covered are mechanics of the engine, accessory equipment, and function of different operational systems.
- Moving Out: Learning About Your Tractor (Tractors, Level C)—Project skills covered in this book include: proper safety procedures, maintenance of the agricultural tractor, mechanics of the engine, function of different operational systems, accessory equipment, how to use the operator’s manual, and different types of tools.
- Learning More (Tractors, Level D)—Designed for youth who have some prior agricultural tractor and equipment experience. This manual contains six major areas: safety, maintenance, mechanics, operational systems, and equipment.
Audience: Grades 7 and older
