News and Events

By Maria Woldt and Brittany Marquard

Twenty-two students successfully completed the 2025 Tractor and Farm Safety Certificate Program hosted by the Food + Farm Exploration Center (F+FEC) in Plover, Wisconsin. The five-day course, led by F+FEC Education Program Manager Brittany Marquard, provided essential training in the safe operation of farm machinery and raised awareness of potential hazards to help prevent accidents and save lives.

For WCO, sponsoring this program for the second consecutive year represents a continued commitment to promoting safety, responsibility, and education among the next generation of agricultural workers. WCO members understand firsthand the importance of safety and preparation in the field and supporting opportunities like this helps ensure that those values are passed on.

Farming is incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with real risks. Programs like the Tractor and Farm Safety Certificate Program help young people gain technical skills and a lifelong respect for machinery and a strong awareness of safe work practices. Investing in youth safety education is one of the most effective ways to support the future of Wisconsin agriculture and prepare young workers for success.

Throughout the week, students learned how to safely start, operate, and maintain tractors and other farm equipment. Lessons covered everything from understanding power take-off (PTO) safety to recognizing blind spots and preventing roll overs. Participants also explored broader topics such as identifying farm hazards, understanding emergency procedures, and developing safe habits around livestock and chemicals.

The program concluded with a driving practicum, during which students demonstrated their ability to operate tractors through a series of real-world maneuvers. This hands-on test was the culmination of the week’s training and a proud moment for both students and instructors.

In addition to machinery operation, students received instruction in hands-only CPR and Stop the Bleed, presented by Jenny Blenker, Aspirus Trauma Coordinator, and Hazel Packer of Amherst EMS. These lessons equipped participants with the tools to respond quickly and effectively in emergency situations—skills that are just as vital as safe equipment operation in farm environments.

“This program gives youth the skills and confidence to work safely on farms,” said Marquard. “By investing in education, we are helping protect the next generation of agricultural leaders.”

The 2025 Tractor and Farm Safety Certificate Program was made possible through generous sponsorships from the Mike Biadasz Farm Safety & Education Memorial Fund, WCO, Rural Mutual Zinda Insurance Group, Feltz Dairy Store, National Farm Medicine Center, Muzzy Broadcasting B104.9, and Riesterer & Schnell.

As part of the experience, Ken Feltz of Feltz Dairy Store hosted participants for a behind-the-scenes farm tour, where students explored a modern dairy farm and gained insight into how efficiency, animal care, and safety intersect in daily farm work.

Sponsorship of this program aligns closely with WCO’s mission to promote professionalism, safety, and education within the custom farming industry. Each year, WCO offers training, resources, and networking opportunities to help members stay current on technology, regulations, and best practices. Supporting youth programs like this one ensures these same values take root early among future operators and farm employees.

As technology continues to advance, farms and equipment are becoming more sophisticated. Completing a basic tractor safety course often serves as the gateway to greater learning—whether as an employee on a farm or with a custom crew. By starting safety education early, WCO and its partners are helping prepare the next generation to handle that technology responsibly and keep Wisconsin agriculture strong.

Through continued partnerships and community engagement, WCO remains dedicated to fostering a culture of safety—one student, one farm, and one season at a time.