ORONO — The University of Maine Cooperative Extension will offer farm and tractor safety classes in cooperation with equipment dealers throughout the state.

The program includes instruction for beginning farmers and new tractor owners who want to learn to operate equipment safely.

While farm equipment has become safer over the years, knowing how to operate and maintain tractors and implements is critical in helping to avoid accidents.

Often farms use older equipment without many of today’s safety features, making safe operation essential to protecting employees and family members.

The following classes are planned;

• Cumberland County: 6-8 p.m., Tuesdays, May 3-31, Maine Forest Service in Gray and Windham Public Works, Windham.

• Kennebec County: 6-8 p.m., Tuesdays, April 5-May 3, Kramer’s Inc., 2400 W River Road, Sidney.

• Knox-Lincoln Counties: 6-8 p.m., Wednesdays, April 6-May 7, Union Farm Equipment, Route 17, Union.

• Waldo County: 5-7 p.m., Mondays, April 11-May 9, Ingraham Equipment, 3 Knox Ridge South, Knox.

For more information, visit online umaine.edu/agriculture/programs or call 342-5971.