The Superior Express -

This summer, thousands of Kansas teenagers will begin their first job working for a farmer or rancher. For those that are ages 14 or 15, they must complete a tractor safety course in order to be legally employed. A 13-year-old may enroll in the training if turning 14 before the next year’s class is offered, but the certificate will not be issued until their 14th birthday.

To help prepare some of those youth for the upcoming work season, K-State Research and Extension Districts are collaborating and will be hosting four in-person tractor safety classes scheduled for Saturdays, April 20 at Beloit, April 27 at Washington, May 4 at Great Bend and May 23 at Salina.

This course will meet the requirements of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Hazardous Occupations Order for Agriculture (HOOA). The HOOA regulations state that youth 14 and 15 years of age, who wish to work as a hired employee for someone other than a parent or legal guardian and operate a farm tractor that is 20 HP or greater, must successfully pass a tractor safety training program.

Those wanting to enroll simply go online at and complete the registration at least five days prior to the scheduled course. The book for the course is available at the local extension district office and will need to be purchased prior to the first class as participants are encouraged to go through the “safety activity sheets” at the end of each chapter prior to Saturday’s session.

Prospective students can check availability and ask questions prior to registering by calling or emailing Blaire Todd [email protected], Sandra Wick [email protected], Kaitlyn Hildebrand [email protected], Alicia Boor, [email protected]; or Justine Henderson, [email protected].