OLD TOWN — University of Maine Cooperative Extension will hold a hands-on tractor workshop from 2:30 to 6 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 28 at the UMaine Roger’s Farm, 914 Bennoch Road in Old Town. The goal of the workshop is to offer a supportive, low-pressure environment where learners can build real confidence behind the wheel.
Designed specifically for new, hesitant or aspiring operators, participants will practice key safety protocols; equipment basics; starting, stopping, steering and operating a tractor around obstacles; and interactive activities to reinforce safety concepts and equipment hitching methods.
The goal of the workshop is to remove the intimidation factor from tractor operation. Guided by patient instructors, participants will practice core skills at a comfortable pace alongside peers who are also starting fresh. Beginners will leave with the foundational knowledge and hands-on experience needed to tackle farm tasks safely and independently. Participants must be 14 years old or older to drive the tractor. An assumption of risk document must be completed by the participant or a guardian prior to participation. There is no cost for the program, but a $15 donation is suggested. Registration is required at the event webpage.
This in-person event does not fulfill Department of Labor youth certification requirements for tractor operation. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Brittany Williams at 207-622-7546 or brittany.m.williams@maine.edu.
This work is supported by the Northeast Extension Risk Management project award no. 2024-70027-42540, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.