Success StoryTractor Driving Contest



Tractor Driving Contest

Author: David Appelman

Planning Unit: Bracken County CES

Major Program: Science, Engineering and Technology 4-H Core Curriculum

Plan of Work: Unrelated to a specified County Plan of Work

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

In Bracken County, 4-H Tractor Driving has a long history of its importance to the youth and adults that farm our steeper land.  This tradition and focus was one of the main programs our former 4-H agent, Mr. Tom Stephenson emphasized during his career.  

This year, at our local fair, our leaders started the Tom Stephenson Memorial Tractor Driving Contest.  It included both youth and adults from the area.  The contest followed the current 4-H course guidelines in both the 2 wheel and 4 wheel contest.  Many former 4-H’ers along with first time drivers competed throughout the evening. In all, 3 youth and 11 adults competed, bringing out some very competitive skills.  Many drivers commented about lessons learned as youth that they still use today on their own farms including using seat belts, watching for obstacles, making sure PTO shields are in place, and carefully traversing steep terrain.  

Many of the adults expressed interest in helping with classes for their kids and grandkids for next year and increasing awareness of tractor safety.  Mrs. Tom Stephenson was on hand to give out the awards to the winners and reminisce with many of the ”older 4-H’ers”. 






Stories by David Appelman


Parasite Resistance

about 1 years ago by David Appelman

There is concern within the beef industry that our products we now have available to treat animals f... Read More


Pasture weed management

about 1 years ago by David Appelman

Weed pressure in grazed pastures has increased in recent years due to many factors that include over... Read More


Stories by Bracken County CES


Arcs & Sparks

Arcs & Sparks

about 1 years ago by Molly Jordan

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it is estimated that more than 3 million skill trade jo... Read More


The Dinner Table

The Dinner Table

about 1 years ago by Shannon Smith

The Bracken County Family and Consumer Science Agent met with the FRYSC and the Bracken County Schoo... Read More