TRACTOR SAFETY COURSE

Kennebec County Office

125 State Street, 3rd Floor

Augusta, ME 04330-5692

Telephone: 622-7546/1-800-287-1481

February 2007

Contact:  Karen Hatch Gagne, Extension Educator

TRACTOR SAFETY COURSE

            The Kennebec Office of the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, Kennebec County Farm Bureau, and Hammond Tractor will be sponsoring a Tractor Safety Course beginning April 2, 2007 at Hammond Tractor in Fairfield from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.  Class sessions will continue each succeeding Monday on April 9, 16, and 23, followed by a written exam and tractor driving course on April 30.  The participants will learn how to handle tractors and equipment safely and how to identify hazards and how to minimize the chances of accidents.

            The course is open to all adults and youth interested, but priority will be given to youth 14 to 16 years of age.  This course is required for 14 and 15 year olds who plan to operate farm equipment for hire on farms other than their own.  A Federal Certificate of Training will be issued at the completion of the course after successful completion of the written test and driving course and with attendance requirements met.  Instructors for this year’s course include Jeff Bragg of Sidney, Arthur Thompson of Hinckley, Neal Caverly of Clinton, Brandon Johnson of Oakland, and Karen Hatch Gagne, Extension Educator, Kennebec County Extension (4-H).  Anyone wishing to gain tractor safety knowledge and skills to operate a tractor and implement safely is encouraged to attend.

            This course is offered once a year and youth who need a Federal Certificate of Training should plan to attend.  There is a registration fee of $20.00 (covers books, snacks, and participant materials).  PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.  For further information or to receive a registration form contact Karen Hatch Gagne, Extension Educator, Kennebec County Extension Office, Augusta, 622-7546 or 1-800-287-1481 or email karenhg@umext.maine.edu.

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