SIDNEY and TOPSHAM — University of Maine Cooperative Extension is offering two multi-session farm tractor safety courses this spring.
The Kennebec County session is set for Monday evenings (and one Thursday) at Kramer Tractor, 2400 West River Road in Sidney, starting April 14. The Androscoggin/Sagadahoc counties session will be held on Tuesday evenings at Topsham Tractor and Equipment, 403 Lewiston Road in Topsham, starting April 22.
The training will include classroom lectures, tractor driving time and homework over the five-part course, which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor. Completion of the course is required for 14- and 15-year-olds who plan to operate farm equipment for hire on farms other than their own family’s farm.
Participants will learn how to safely handle tractors and equipment and how to avoid hazards and minimize the chance of accidents. Certificates will be issued after completion of the course, including a written test and a driving test.
The program is designed for adults and youth at least 14 years of age.
There is a sliding scale fee for the course of $40 (full price) or $20 (suggested for youth 14–17 and those who can afford 50% of the full course fee). Access to a computer, tablet or smartphone is required to complete homework assignments.
More information, including dates and registration links, are available on the event webpage at extension.umaine.edu. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Jenni Cappello-Ruggiero at 207-781-6099 or extension.agcumberland@maine.edu.
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