For four weeks this spring, fifteen participants from across northwest Washington invested their evenings learning one of agriculture’s most important skills: how to work safely around farm equipment and machinery.
WSU Skagit County Extension recently concluded its 2026 Farm Safety Certification Program, bringing together youth and adults from Skagit, Whatcom, Island, Snohomish, and San Juan counties for a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on training, and practical skills testing.
Participants completed ten instructional modules covering essential farm safety topics, including hazard recognition, machinery operation, personal protective equipment, and safe decision-making practices. The course culminated in four days of tractor driving instruction and testing, where students demonstrated both their knowledge and their ability to safely operate agricultural equipment.
The program serves an important role in agricultural communities. According to the U.S. Agricultural Census, machinery and motor vehicles remain among the leading causes of serious injuries and fatalities for youth working on farms. Safety education continues to be one of the most effective tools for preventing accidents and ensuring that the next generation of agricultural workers develops safe habits early.
Federal law generally requires individuals operating tractors for hire to be at least 16 years old. However, youth ages 14 and 15 who successfully complete an approved tractor and machinery safety certification program may qualify for an exemption. For many participants, the course represents both an educational opportunity and an important step toward future employment in agriculture.
This year’s class reflected the diversity and strength of our regional agricultural community. Participants included first-language Spanish speakers, youth, and adults with varying levels of experience—from first-time tractor operators to individuals who had spent years around farm equipment but wanted to formalize their training and certification. By bringing together participants from different backgrounds, languages, and generations, the program reinforces WSU Extension’s commitment to making agricultural safety education accessible throughout northwest Washington.
One of the most valuable aspects of the program is the opportunity to combine classroom learning with real-world practice. Throughout the course, students not only learned the “how” of operating equipment, but also the “why” behind safe procedures, maintenance checks, and risk management practices that can prevent injuries and save lives.
WSU Skagit County Extension extends its congratulations to all fifteen participants who successfully completed the course requirements. Their commitment to safety demonstrates leadership not only for themselves but also for the farms, families, and communities they serve.
The program would not be possible without the support of our community partners. Special thanks to Farmers Equipment Company of Burlington for supplying tractors used during the hands-on driving and testing portions of the course. Their continued partnership helps provide participants with valuable experience operating equipment in a supervised learning environment.
As another successful class concludes, WSU Extension remains committed to supporting safe agricultural practices across northwest Washington. We look forward to welcoming future participants to upcoming Farm Safety Certification programs and continuing the important work of building a safer agricultural community for everyone.
For information about future Farm Safety Certification courses, contact WSU Skagit County Extension at 360-395-2357.