According to www.OSHA.gov, youth ages 15 and under have an increased risk for farm related injuries.  In summer of 2017, the Fleming County 4-H Program took their agriculture learning to the next level with an in-depth analysis and informative multi-day day camp on Tractor and Farm Equipment Safety.  During these days, youth learned about large and small tractors, different variations of tractors, lawn mowers, and the evolution of hay equipment.  Community leaders from Roses Farm Supply and Cahall Brothers Inc assisted in providing the education for the program by hosting two dates each at their locations.  “It was a great opportunity to engage with youth and impart a lot of information in a short amount of time with them” stated the instructor from Roses Farm Supply.  “I really enjoyed this program and learned a lot!” stated one 4-Her.  60% of the 4-Hers that attended the program currently reside on farms in the county.  98% of the 4-Hers attending stated they learned something new about tractors of large farm equipment, they feel will be useful in their everyday life.

As a direct result of this program, one 11 year old 4-Her from Fleming County drove over two hours to compete in the District 1 Lawn Tractor Driving contest.  This 4-Her went on to place second at the 2017 Kentucky State Fair Lawn Tractor Driving contest.  When asked about the program the 4-H mother stated “I really appreciate the emphasis on safety in this program.  It really brought to the forefront of Talon’s mind that safety is key and first and foremost, and that you “can” do it, second.”