Agriculture is a dangerous business. One of the reasons for the inherent danger is the combination of very powerful machinery and long days. If you add in improper training, lack of concentration or an unsafe attitude, trouble can happen very quickly.
For these reasons, youth cannot legally do some types of agriculture activities, even when working on their own home farms.
Until youth are 16 years old, they cannot operate any type of earthmoving equipment, fork lift, skid steer or power-driven saw. Neither can they handle timber larger than 6-inch butt diameter, work on a ladder or scaffold above 20 feet or handle chemicals identified with the key words “poison” or “warning.”
Further, until they have their driver’s license or are at least 14 and have gone through certified tractor and machinery safety training, they cannot operate a tractor of over 20 PTO horsepower; drive any unit on public roadways; operate any type of harvesters; operate a feed grinder, grain dryer, forage blower, augers, post-hole diggers, post drivers or mounted rotary tillers.
Also, please note that nonpermitted youth are not allowed to assist in the operation of any of these activities, either.
Now for a nonfarm tidbit. Youth under 16 cannot mow lawns for pay unless they are not using a self-propelled mower. That means no riding lawn mowers or self-propelled walk-behind mowers can legally be used on nonfamily lawns by youth under 16. Further, only 14- and 15-year-olds can use push mowers for pay.
All people using power equipment should have sound safety training, youth in particular. There is training offered in most Wisconsin counties for youth who are interested in earning the tractor and machinery safety operation certificate. The certificate is also necessary for youth 12 years old and older (until they have a driver’s license) to be able to operate their own family’s farm equipment on any public roadways.
One set of training available in the near future will be conducted by University of Wisconsin-Extension of Marinette and Oconto counties in Coleman on July 8, 10, 15 and 17. The training is $35 and is valid for adults, as well. Contact either UW-Extension office for details.
