FAIRFIELD — The Kennebec Office of the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, Kennebec County Farm Bureau and Kramer Tractor will sponsor a 4-H Tractor Safety Course beginning Monday, April 1, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Hammond Tractor. Class sessions will continue Mondays, April 8, 15 and 22, followed by a written exam and tractor driving course on April 29. The participants will learn how to handle tractors and equipment safely, how to identify hazards and how to minimize the chances of accidents.

The course is open to all adults and youths interested, but priority will be given to youths 14 to 16 years of age. This course is required for 14- and 15-year-olds who plan to operate farm equipment for hire on farms other than their own. A Federal Certificate of Training will be issued at the completion of the course after successful completion of the written test and driving course and with attendance requirements met.

Instructors include Jeff Bragg of Sidney; Neal Caverly of Clinton; Dave Ponsant, service manager, Hammond Tractor, Fairfield; and Karen Hatch Gagne, Extension educator, Kennebec County Extension (4-H).

The course is offered once a year and youths who need a Federal Certificate of Training should plan to attend. There is a registration fee of $20, which covers books, snacks and participant materials. Pre-registration is required. For further information or to receive a registration form contact Karen Hatch Gagne, Extension educator, or Diana Hartley at Kennebec County Extension Office, Augusta by calling 207-622-7546 or 1-800-287-1481 or by sending an email to karen.h.gagne@maine.edu or diana.hartley@maine.edu.