DARLINGTON — The Lafayette County Extension Office once again will be offering “Gearing Up for Safety,” a nationally recognized youth agricultural safety program developed for youth through Purdue University. This course is for youth 12 years of age and older who are preparing to safely operate on family farms or in agricultural work settings.

Gearing Up for Safety is part of Purdue University’s agricultural safety curriculum, created to help young people understand safe equipment operation, hazard awareness, and responsible decision making around machinery. The program supports youth seeking certification under federal guidelines for tractor and machinery operation on farms not owned by their parents.

Classes will be held on Saturdays beginning March 7, 2026, and will continue through the spring. The cost for the full course is $40, which includes instructional materials and testing.

Youth who complete the program will gain essential knowledge in areas such as:

●  Safe tractor operation

●  Machinery hazard recognition

●  Preventing common farm injuries

●  Understanding equipment controls and maintenance

●  Making safe choices in real life farm situations

The Lafayette County Extension Office encourages families involved in agriculture to consider enrolling their youth, as the program provides valuable skills that support both safety and confidence in farm work.

Registration is required. To register go to https://forms.gle/gAYtuzFG9dk1cJB99

For enrollment details or questions, contact Jenna Phillips, Administrative Assistant at the Lafayette County Extension Office: jenna.phillips@wisc.edu or (608) 776-4820.