Nebraska Extension in Lincoln, Logan & McPherson Counties

2025 Tractor Safety Days

Federal law prohibits youth under 16 years of age from using certain equipment on a farm unless their parents or legal guardians own the farm. However, certification received through National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program (NSTMOP) grants an exemption to the law allowing 14- and 15-year-olds to drive a tractor and to do field work with certain mechanized equipment.

In Nebraska, Nebraska Extension and CS-CASH collaborate to offer NSTMOP certification. Certification is earned by completing a two-day certification course, which includes a written test and a driving exam. Successful completion grants NSTMOP certification, allowing youth to operate tractors and certain mechanized equipment on farms and ranches, and obtain a husbandry permit.

Day 1 covers the required elements of NSTMOP, including quizzes which students must pass to attend the driving portion of training. Once a student is registered, they will be sent instructions, materials, course paperwork and a link to the online course if they will not be attending in-person. 

Day 2 includes a driving test and equipment operation and ATV safety lessons. Students must demonstrate competence in hitching and unhitching equipment and driving a tractor and trailer through a standardized course. Instructors will also offer education about safe behaviors and laws for ATVs, utility-task vehicles (UTVs), and other off-road vehicles (ORVs). 

Teens 14 or 15 years of age who work on farms, or others who are interested in learning about safe farming practices, are encouraged to register for the certification course. Students under age 14 are not eligible for certification, but Day 1 is open to everyone in the community. Children under 14 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. 

Students will: 

• Register for Day 1 with written test (Those attending a location that only offers Day 2 must complete Day 1 at another location, OR complete the virtual module. Those attending a location that offers both days, but live 50 miles or more from the location, may complete the online module for Day 1)
• Register for Day 2 with driving test

The cost of the course is $60 and includes educational materials, the online learning link (if applicable), supplies, and lunch and snacks at in-person trainings. Payment will be made via credit card if registering online or via check if registering by mail.

Youth under 14 years of age can attend Day 1 if accompanied by an adult but cannot drive equipment, attend Day 2, or become certified. Students under 14 must register but won’t be charged a fee.

2025 Food Safety Training

The nationally recognized food safety training and certification program by the National Restaurant Association provides the latest science-based information on food safety and best practices in the industry.  There are two courses offered in the North Platte, Ogallala, Lexington and McCook Area.  They are designed for food service managers and supervisory staff in restaurants, hospitals, schools, long-term care facilities and other food handling establishments.  Nebraska Extension in Lincoln, Logan, and McPherson offered these two courses through the year.

2025 Private Pesticide Dates

The Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, in concert with Extension Specialists, Extension Educators, and other collaborators, provides educational and training programs that address human health, the environment, economic well being, and pesticide safety.

2025 Chemigation

Producers who plan to apply crop nutrients and pesticides through irrigation systems, including those who need to renew their chemigation applicator certification, are required to attend a training session and pass the test administered afterward, or else complete the online process.

2025 Master Gardener Classes Coming Soon

The Nebraska Master Gardener program is a horticulture related volunteer training program based in many counties throughout the state. It has been part of UNL Extension since 1976. Master Gardener volunteers are trained by UNL Extension faculty and staff. They contribute time as volunteers working through their local Extension office to provide horticulture-related information to their community. More specifically, they provide education about sustainable horticultural practices. Participants are required to complete 40 hours of training and 40 hours of volunteer service during the initial year of their involvement in the program. Master Gardener volunteers retain their certification through annual training and volunteering.

2025 Summer Workshops Coming Soon

The summer programs we offer provide all youth a place to discover, learn, and grow. Youth are not required to be a member of 4-H to attend one of our many summer workshops. We believe strongly in promoting and encouraging all young people to reach their full potential by working and learning in partnership with caring adults. We provide a fun summer workshop experience for all youth!