The State 4-H Program has only one tractor driving course that is shared all over the state. The Metcalfe County 4-H Council asked the 4-H Agent to put together a tractor driving course that is patterned after the state kit, to enable us to host a county and area contest. 

Metcalfe County is a rural county and several of our youth are involved with large and small tractors on a day to day basis. The youth are able to participate in the 4-H Tractor Driving event at the county, area, and state levels. This competition educates youth on tractor, farm equipment safety, and operator skills. This has helped decrease the number of farm related accidents in Kentucky. 

Before the driving contest, the youth had an educational day to study about tractors and proper safety.  They also practiced their driving skills. 

After preparing our driving kit, the Mammoth Cave Area Tractor Driving Contest was held at the Metcalfe County Fairgrounds. The youth completed a written exam and a driving skills test.

The area Champion and Reserve Champion advanced to the KY State Fair Tractor Driving Contest. 

The 2018 KY State Fair 4-H Junior and Senior Division Small and Large tractor driver 2 wheel and 4 wheel wagon contest Champions were all from Metcalfe County and from the same family.

While the participants were preparing for the contest, it was evident that their safety and operator skills improved greatly. The best part of this contest is that safety and operator skills continue after the competition is over, it follows 4-H tractor drivers for the rest of their life.