ALBANY, Ore. — When Diego Slaughter showed up for a Youth Tractor Safety Certification training this spring, he already had some experience operating heavy equipment.

The 17-year-old from Lebanon had worked a summer job on a farm. This year, his employer hoped he could also operate a tractor, so he signed up for the three-day certification course provided by Oregon State University Extension Service’s 4-H Youth Development Program.

“I know some basic rules and safety precautions of driving machinery,” Slaughter said. “But the tractor is a lot bigger, and a lot more different.”

Slaughter was among teens from across Linn County who used spring break to learn tractor safety and earn certification to drive a tractor.

The course is offered in Linn, Marion, Clackamas and Jefferson counties and is open to any teen ages 14 to 17, whether or not they participate in 4-H clubs.

An employable skill

For many youths, the certification can open doors to summer jobs and future agricultural careers.

According to the Oregon Department of Agriculture, farmers and ranchers who employ minors to operate tractors must hire youths who have completed approved tractor safety training. In Oregon, youths can earn certification through OSU Extension’s training or through agricultural education programs at some high schools.

“Getting this certificate makes them employable, so we are helping with workforce development,” said Andrea Leao, 4-H outreach coordinator in Linn County and one of the instructors.

4-H in Linn County offers four youth tractor training classes each year, training about 140 students annually. The Albany course was the first of the year, hosted with support from the Knife River Training Center, which provides its training grounds and facilities.

Students spent three days learning about tractor parts, safety procedures and driving techniques. Many teens said backing a tractor was the most challenging part.

“Because when you're steering, but you're steering backward, so you need to think about directions,” said 14-year-old Norah Walton from Halsey.

Leao said the goal is not only to teach technical skills, but also to help youths learn how to advocate for themselves and recognize unsafe work situations.

Inclusive learning space

Leao also emphasizes encouragement over intimidation. Students who struggle can review missed questions on written tests and retake exams, and accommodations are available for youths with learning disabilities.

“If they can't back a trailer, that's not the end of the world, but the biggest thing is the attitude,” Leao said. “If you have a good attitude and are willing to try, we'll work together with you.”

The program also creates opportunities for youths to connect with potential employers. Some summer training sessions are held on working farms, where instructors may also be farmers who hire tractor drivers.

Cindy Schumacher, a local farmer and contract instructor, said the training also helps pass agricultural knowledge to the next generation.

“Cindy and I have connections in some farms, and sometimes people will call us to ask about a student’s work ethic before hiring them,” Leao said.

“There are not that many farmers around nowadays, so they are getting us, the younger kids, to learn these skills,” said participant Augustus Bailey, 15, from Albany.

His family recently got a new tractor. Although his grandfather taught him a little about driving, he signed up for the course to learn more systematically and to get certified.

The training also provides students with a learning space to meet other teens from different schools and backgrounds.

Norah is homeschooled and active in 4-H livestock and static projects. She said a 4-H event like this allows her to participate in outdoor activities, gain practical skills and learn alongside peers.

“[Driving tractor] is a good skill to have,” she said. “I can definitely apply this if working at a farm or lumber shop.”

Details about the upcoming Youth Tractor Safety Certification training sessions are available on the OSU Extension 4-H Youth Tractor Safety Certification webpage, or contact Andrea Leao at [email protected].