PLOVER – Food + Farm Exploration Center is now enrolling youth ages 12–17 for its Youth Tractor and Farm Safety Course, an intensive training program designed to promote safe agricultural practices and prepare young people for real-world farm work. Two sessions will be offered in March 2026 at Food + Farm Exploration Center, located at 3400 Innovation Dr., Plover.
The multi-day course combines classroom instruction, hands-on learning and supervised tractor operation. Upon successful completion, participants meet the requirements of Wisconsin Act 455 and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Agricultural Hazardous Occupations Order, earning certification required for legal tractor operation in applicable agricultural work settings.
Agriculture remains one of the most hazardous industries in the United States, particularly for young people. Youth under 20 years old experience thousands of agricultural injuries each year, and machinery — including tractors and other farm equipment — is the leading cause of these incidents. Every three days, a child dies in an agriculture-related incident, and on average more than 30 children are injured every day in farm-related mishaps (National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety). Tractor overturns and other equipment-related events account for a significant portion of serious youth injuries and fatalities on farms (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health).
These statistics highlight the importance of structured safety education and hands-on training for youth who live, work or spend time on farms. The Youth Tractor and Farm Safety Course helps participants build practical skills and essential safety awareness to reduce risks and promote safe behavior around farm machinery.
The course is open to youth ages 12-17, with a limit of 25 participants per session. The first session, March 16-20, has a registration deadline of Sunday, March 1. The second session, March 23-27, has a registration deadline of Sunday, March 8. There will also be an optional Safety Awareness Day, held on April 3, with a farm tour and Stop the Bleed and Hands-Only CPR training.
Food + Farm Exploration Center is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to advancing agricultural literacy and inspiring curiosity about the journey of food from field to fork. Through immersive exhibits, hands-on learning and community events, the center connects people of all ages to the science, technology and people behind agriculture. To learn more, visit www.explorefoodandfarm.org.
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