4H Ag Safety & Certification Course

Do you know youth who are 14-15 years old that want or do work on a farm? If so this course is for them! The 2011 Agricultural Safety and Certification Program is scheduled to begin on Monday, February 28th, 2011. It is against the law for an employer to hire a person less than 16 years of age to operate farm tractors or machinery. An exception is made for the 14 or 15 year old who has completed this approved safety course. Even though family members and those over 16 are not required by law to take the course, it is a good idea for any potential new operator. The objective of this course is to reduce the number of injuries and deaths resulting from farm related accidents, especially with young people in Madison County. Those who satisfactorily complete the course will receive the certificate which allows them to work for hire at age 14 and 15. Employers must request a copy of this certificate from young employees. You must be 14 in order to take this course for a certificate. Again this year a special emphasis will be offered involving lawn mowers and other lawn, yard, and garden equipment. Winslow suggests information gained in this course is applicable to most home and yard work involving younger machinery operators. The first class will be held on Monday, February 28th, 2011, starting at 6:00 PM at the Ag Mechanics Shop in Marshall Hall on the Morrisville State College Campus. This session will include a brief orientation, sign ups, distribution of manuals, and a program on Internal Combustion Engines and General Maintenance, and will be instructed by the Morrisville State College staff. The remaining six classes will be held throughout the months of March and April. Classes will be held at Cazenovia Equipment, Kelsey’s Monanfran Farms, Morrisville State College, Blue Seal IL Richer and Madison Central School. A detailed schedule will be handed out at the first class. It will be the responsibility of the student to have transportation to the class site each week. In order to qualify for the certificate, participants must attend scheduled class sessions, complete the workbook provided, pass a written exam and complete the practical driving exam. The 4-H Agricultural Safety and Certification Course class fee will be $10.00 for the manual and printed materials. The fee will be collected at the first session. This program is a cooperative effort of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Madison County, and the Madison County FFA Agricultural Programs, and Morrisville State College.Pre-enrollment is required. Contact Cornell Cooperative Extension of Madison County 4-H Program, PO Box 1209, Eaton Street, Morrisville, NY 13408, or call (315) 684-3001 to enroll or for more information. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Madison County provides equal program and employment opportunities.