<b>By DEBORAH BEHRENDS<br>
Illinois Correspondent</b> </p><p>

Assistant EditorSYCAMORE, Ill. — Farm youth, ages 14 years and older, are welcome to participate in a Tractor Safety School planned for February and March.  Registration is being accepted at the DeKalb County Farm Bureau office through Jan. 31.</p><p>
The purpose of the school is to train youth who work or plan to work on farms and run mid-to-large size tractors and machinery to properly and safely operate this equipment.</p><p>
The Tractor Safety School is set for Feb. 22-23 and March 7-8 and will be held at the DeKalb County Farm Bureau at 1350 W. Prairie Drive in Sycamore. Friday night classes will run from 4:30-7:30 p.m. and Saturday classes are scheduled from 8 a.m.-3 p.m.</p><p>
The school is designed for 14- and 15-year-old youth needing certification. Older youth may also participate. Youth ages 12-13 years may attend but cannot be certified.</p><p>
Participants are required to attend all sessions.</p><p>
Current law states youth 16 years and older may be employed in agriculture and do not need to be certified. Those 14-15 years of age may be employed, providing they have been certified. The law does not apply to youth working on their family’s farm.</p><p>
Sixteen hours of classroom instruction and a written skills and driving test are needed for certification as part of the National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program. Some at-home hours will be counted in the coursework.</p><p>
Three state-certified teachers will provide instruction at the DeKalb County Farm Bureau. Manuals will be provided, as well as handouts, plus meals. Equipment for the driving test will be set up in the Farm Bureau parking lot.</p><p>
Cost for youth is $35 per person. This covers the manual, certification fee and other expenses. A minimum of 10 youth are required to hold this course. To register, contact the Farm Bureau at 815-756-6361 by Jan. 31.</p><p>
DeKalb County Farm Bureau is sponsoring the Tractor Safety School in cooperation with the DeKalb County 4-H Foundation, local 4-H clubs and FFA organizations.