Gorham Times reports on tractor safety course

Gorham Times reported the University of Maine Cooperative Extension offers five-part tractor safety courses every spring at locations throughout the state. In May, 15 youth, new farm workers and tractor owners successfully completed the federally certified course in Gorham. Participants learned about the risks of farm work and equipment operation, and basic maintenance skills. They also gained hands-on experience in safe tractor operation, and awareness of the prevalent hazards, according to the article. Youth ages 14 and 15 received certification to operate equipment on farms owned by nonrelatives, opening up new job opportunities for them, the article states.