Thirteen students from six area schools received their certification for
successfully completing the Tractor Safety course at Alma Area School as part of
the summer school program. Students from Alma, Pepin, Durand, Gilmanton,
Mondovi and CFC schools participated. The course was taught by Todd Mau
and Steve Okonek; Buffalo County Extension Educator.
Past research in other industries has clearly demonstrated that ongoing, safety
training can make a difference in reducing the potential of injury and death in the
workplace. Teaching young workers to recognize and use safe work practices,
and enhancing their attitudes towards safety can pay big dividends through
reduced injuries and deaths.
The Tractor Safety class, using the Purdue Gearing Up For Safety curriculum, is
designed to enhance the safety, knowledge and skills of youth operating farm
tractors and other farm machinery. The class is not intended to teach students to
be expert tractor drivers. It gives them a basic knowledge of safe operation of
farm tractors and machinery.
Youth are required to attend 24 hours of instruction, successfully complete a
written exam and pass a basic skills driving test. The 2024 class instruction took
place at the Alma Area School with the driving test being held at Lindstrom
Equipment, Inc. in Modena. Youth that participated in the Tractor Safety class
are: Anna Kent, Ava Goetting, Avery Bambenek, Rielynn Sheahan, Hunter
Marten, Clay Steele, Archer Sterry, Joseph Marten, Izaak Mann, Liam Lubinsky,
Tristan Rolbiecki, Kros Weiss and Collin Walstrom.
Community members shared their industry expertise with the class.
Presentations were given by Al Sheahan, Dwight Ruff, Western Buffalo County
Ambulance Service and Wisconsin State Patrol. Each presenting very relevant
safety information to the class.
A special Thank You to the following for their help and participation in teaching
this class. Alma Area Schools, Lindstrom Equipment, Inc., Al Sheahan, Dwight
Ruff, Western Buffalo County Ambulance Service, Wisconsin State Patrol,
Walstrom Farms, Buffalo County Extension, Chris Jumbeck, Steve Okonek and
Todd Mau.
“An AA/EEO employer, University of Wisconsin-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming,
including Title VI, Title IX and ADA requirements. Please make requests for reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to
educational programs as early as possible preceding the scheduled program, service or activity."
La Universidad de Wisconsin-Extensión, un empleador con igualdad de oportunidades y acción afirmativa (EEO/AA), proporciona
igualdad de oportunidades en empleo y programas, incluyendo los requisitos del Titulo VI, Título IX, y de la Ley para Americanos
con Discapacidades (ADA).
