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”.