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OMAHA — The Nebraska Extension and Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health (CS-CASH) at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Public Health, have announced plans for the annual tractor and equipment safety training courses scheduled at eight sites across Nebraska in late May and early June.
Federal law prohibits youths under 16 years of age from using certain equipment on a farm unless their parents or legal guardians own the farm.
However, certification received through the National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program (NSTMOP) grants an exemption to the law, allowing 14- and 15-yearolds to drive a tractor and to do field work with certain mechanized equipment.
In Nebraska, the Nebraska Extension and CS-CASH collaborate to offer NSTMOP certification that is earned by completing a two-day certification course, which includes a written test and a driving exam.
Successful completion grants NSTMOP certification, allowing youths to operate tractors and certain mechanized equipment on farms and ranches and obtain a husbandry permit.
The first day covers the required elements of NSTMOP, including quizzes that students must pass to attend the driving portion of training. Once students are registered, they will be sent instructions, materials, course paperwork and a link to the online course if they will not be attending in person.
The second day includes a driving test and equipment operation and ATV safety lessons. Students must demonstrate competence in hitching and unhitching equipment and driving a tractor and trailer through a standardized course. Instructors also will offer education about safe behaviors and laws for ATVs, utility-task vehicles (UTVs) and other off-road vehicles (ORVs).
Area sites hosting the event are listed below.
Days 1 and 2 — Thursday and Friday, June 4-5: AKRS Equipment, 49110 U.S. Highway 20, O’Neill. Wednesday and Thursday, June 10-11: Cuming County Fairgrounds, West Washington Street, West Point.
Other training sites across the state are North Platte, McCook, Gering, Grand Island, Lexington, Holdrege, Ord, Crete, David City and Gordon.
Those attending a location that only offers day 2 must complete day 1 at another location or complete the virtual module. Those attending a location that offers both days but live 50 miles or more from the location may complete the online module for day 1. Day 1 (or online module) must be completed, with a written exam, before attending day 2.
To register, visit: https://cvent. me/0oRoRz.
