May, June dates set for annual tractor/equipment safety training for young and beginning farmers
UNMC’s Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health, in collaboration with Nebraska Extension, will oversee the courses.
The Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health (CS-CASH) at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Public Health, in partnership with Nebraska Extension, has announced the dates for its annual tractor and equipment safety training courses. The training will be offered at 12 locations across Nebraska throughout May and June.
“Tractors and agricultural equipment remain leading sources of serious injury and fatalities in farming, especially for young and beginning producers who are still gaining experience,” said course instructor Aaron Yoder, PhD, associate professor, UNMC and University of Nebraska- Lincoln. “The 2026 Annual Tractor and Equipment Safety Course provides essential, hands-on training that helps participants recognize hazards, develop safe operating habits and build confidence when working around powerful machinery.”
Federal law restricts youth under the age of 16 from operating certain farm equipment unless the farm is owned by their parents or legal guardians. However, certification through the National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program (NSTMOP) provides an exemption, allowing 14- and 15-year-olds to drive tractors and operate specific mechanized equipment.
In Nebraska, CS-CASH and Nebraska Extension work together to offer NSTMOP certification. This certification is earned by completing a two-day course that includes both a written test and a driving exam. Youth who complete the training are certified to operate tractors and certain mechanized equipment on farms and ranches and can also obtain a husbandry permit.
Course Details:
Day One: The first day covers the essential components of NSTMOP, as well as additional training in emergency response, stop-the-bleed techniques, personal protective equipment and other lifesaving skills.
Day Two: The second day includes a hands-on driving test, equipment operation and ATV safety lessons. Students will be required to demonstrate their ability to hitch and unhitch equipment, as well as drive a tractor and trailer through a standardized course. Instructors will also provide education on safe practices and legal guidelines for ATVs, utility task vehicles (UTVs) and other off-road vehicles (ORVs).
The cost for the two-day course is $60, which covers educational materials, online learning access (if applicable), supplies, and lunch and snacks for in-person training sessions.
Additional Information:
Youth under the age of 14 can attend Day One if accompanied by an adult, but they are not eligible to drive equipment, participate in Day Two or receive certification. Students under 14 must register, but they will not be charged a fee. New and beginning farmers who want to increase their knowledge about safe farm practices are also urged to register and attend.
-May 26-27 - Lincoln-Logan-McPherson County Extension Office, 348 W. State Farm Road, North Platte, Nebraska
-May 28-29 - Red Willow County Fairgrounds-4H Building, 1400 W. Fifth St., McCook, Nebraska
-June 1-2 - Legacy of the Plains Museum, 2930 Old Oregon Trail, Gering, Nebraska
-June 3 - Sheridan County Fairgrounds. 613 E. Third St., Gordon, Nebraska
-June 4-5 - AKRS Equipment, 49157 Douglas Ave., O’Neill, Nebraska
-June 8-9 - Raising Nebraska, 501 E. Fonner Park Road, Grand Island, Nebraska
-June 10-11 - Cuming County Fairgrounds, West Washington St., West Point, Nebraska
-June 23-24 - Dawson County Fairgrounds, 1002 Plum Creek Parkway, Lexington, Nebraska
-June 25 - Phelps County Fairgrounds, 1308 Second St., Holdrege, Nebraska
-June 29-30 - Valley County Fairgrounds, 801 South St., Ord, Nebraska
-July 1-2 - Ag Hall at Tuxedo Park, 1700 Tuxedo Park Road, Crete, Nebraska
-July 1-2 - Butler Country Fairgrounds, 62 L St., David City, Nebraska
Virtual Module – For those attending a location that only offers Day One or are attending a location that offers both days but live 50 miles or more from the location.
To get more information and to register, visit: https://www.unmc.edu/publichealth/cscash/outreach/farm-safety-days.html
Contact Ellen Duysen at [email protected] with questions on the courses.