During recent horse and farm equipment programs, participants voiced the need for more tractor and equipment information.  General working knowledge, plus tractor operation, maintenance, and safety were topics of interest identified by farmers.  This information is important for operator safety, farm efficiency, and in many cases can provide economic benefit.

To begin addressing these needs, the Oldham County Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent partnered with a local farmer and a UK Biosystems & Ag Engineering Specialist to host a Tractor Maintenance Basics workshop in December 2022.  This workshop was hosted on-farm and included the following discussion and demonstrations:

• Intro to Tractor Safety
• Getting and using the tractor manual
• Changing oil and fluids
• Changing filters
• Checking tires and lug nuts

While this program was targeted to beginning farmers, most of the 15 participants were experienced farmers who wanted more knowledge.  Some wanted to be able to save money by doing maintenance work themselves.  Some had never learned these skills and don’t have family members to rely on for this work and information.  Comments from participants included:

• “The workshop was excellent.  I am more confident but not totally confident in changing fluids and filters.  I will need to take it slow and practice.”
• “I am more confident in letting my local dealers know what needs to be done to my tractors.”
• “I actually worked on greasing two of my tractors and bushhog right after the workshop.   It was helpful to direct me to the maintenance manual.  I never would have found the grease points without it.”
• “It was very valuable to hear from an Ag Engineer, and the farmer’s comments were just as good.  His vast experience was a welcome addition.”
• “The most valuable part for me was the discussion and chance to hear from other tractor owners.”

 More programs coving tractors and equipment will be offered over the next two years.  The next program is scheduled for March 2023 at a local horse farm.  It will include an in-depth discussion and demonstration of tractor and equipment safety, plus livestock hauling safety.