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, the Extension districts Midway, Cottonwood, Post Rock, Central Kansas, and River Valley will be hosting an in-person tractor safety class starting at 8:15 a.m. on March 27th at KanEquip 704 E Kunkle Drive, Ellsworth.  

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.   

The cost of the program is $20 to cover cost of materials for the course. Those wanting to enroll should visit and complete the “Tractor Safety Registration Form” https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_02oeNbK0P0hoWcC.  Enrollment is due by Wednesday March 24th.   

Another tractor safety course will be held virtually April 10th for those wishing to attend that way. 

Prospective students can check availability and ask questions prior to registering by calling  or emailing Craig Dinkel cadinkel@ksu.edu Clinton Laflin cllaflin@ksu.edu  Alicia Boor aboor@ksu.edu Justine Henderson jwh04@ksu.edu, or Sandra Wick swick@ksu.edu.

Alicia Boor is the Agriculture and Natural Resources agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. Contact her by email at aboor@ksu.edu or call 620-793-1910.