Success Story4-H Tractor



4-H Tractor

Author: Amy Branstetter

Planning Unit: Metcalfe County CES

Major Program: Natural Resources 4-H Core Curriculum

Plan of Work: Leadership and Communications

Outcome: Long-Term Outcome

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.






Stories by Amy Branstetter


Making Stronger Leaders

about 4 months ago by Amy Branstetter

For 11 years this young man has gone to West KY 4-H Camp with Metcalfe County. He was a model camper... Read More


Service Makes us Stronger

about 5 months ago by Amy Branstetter

Supporting our troopsis a way to give back to the ones that are willing to protect us.Six years ago ... Read More


Stories by Metcalfe County CES


Metcalfe County Farmers Market

about 3 months ago by Lynn Blankenship

The problemEdmonton is the seat of Metcalfe County and has only two small grocery stores selling fre... Read More


Understanding Disabilities Story Hour Learning

about 3 months ago by Lynn Blankenship

The problem:Metcalfe County is a small, rural community with a public library that provides a Presch... Read More