What the Tractor Operator Contest Is
The Tractor Operator Contest is a Thursday event at Oklahoma State 4-H Roundup that tests whether a young driver can run a tractor safely and skillfully. Contestants take a written exam, find hazards on a tractor prepared by the judges, and drive a timed course. In 2026 it is scheduled for 11:45 a.m. on Thursday, July 23, at the Payne County Fairgrounds, with a van leaving from the south side of Gallagher-Iba Arena in Stillwater and lunch picked up before departing.
Divisions and Who Can Enter
| Division | Grades |
|---|---|
| Intermediate | 7 and 8 |
| Senior | 9 through 12 |
Contestants must be enrolled in the 4-H Tractor Program, have reviewed the program material, and be selected through a county operator's driving program that shows a high level of skill. Each county may send up to three Intermediates and three Seniors. Each contestant must be certified by the County Extension Educator, who has personally observed the member operate a tractor and implement safely. Contestants are entered on the Roundup youth registration form,. The 2026 tractor certification form, signed by the Extension Educator, was due July 18, 2026, to the 4-H Youth Development Office, 293 Ag Hall, Stillwater, OK 74078.
How the Contest Works
- Written exam. 50 multiple-choice and true/false questions drawn from the first- through fourth-year Tractor Program manuals. Each missed or skipped question adds 5 penalty points.
- Tractor inspection. Five minutes to identify safety and maintenance problems on a tractor prepared by the judges. The tractor is not started. Each missed or incorrectly listed item adds 20 penalty points, up to 10 items. Contestants get a clipboard and paper to list what needs correcting.
- Two-wheel driving event. Six minutes to drive a course and back an implement into a shed, stopping near the stakes without touching them. A grain drill is used as the implement.
Scoring and Safety
Scoring is by penalty points, and the contestant with the fewest total points wins. Safety is scored throughout, before, during and after the events and during practice. Driving penalties cover course violations, time (1 point per second) and the final position of the tractor and implement. Score sheet deductions include 50 points for failing to check neutral or depress the clutch, 100 points for turning too short and fouling the implement, and 100 points for removing stakes or markers.
Before starting, the contestant must set the brakes or park the transmission, confirm neutral or park, and disengage the PTO. Timing starts when the tractor breaks the plane and ends when the contestant signals the judge after stopping. A proper stop means neutral or park, brakes set, clutch engaged and engine off. The Safe Tractor Driving Rules cover gentle starts, not riding the clutch, staying in gear, no extra riders, and proper mounting and dismounting.
Where and When
Thursday, July 23, 2026, 11:45 a.m., Payne County Fairgrounds, Stillwater. The contest is part of 4-H Roundup, July 22 to 24.
Questions
Can a 6th grader enter?
No. The divisions are grades 7 and 8 and grades 9 through 12.
Can I enter without county approval?
No. Entry comes through the county operator driving program and the Extension Educator's certification.
Who runs the contest?
The contest superintendent is Ross Sestak, 405-258-0560.
Official Links
- Tractor contest page
- Tractor operator contest rules
- 2026 tractor certification form
- Tentative Roundup agenda
Oklahoma 4-H Roundup and County 4-H Events: The Essentials
Oklahoma 4-H events run from local clubs and county fairs up to district and state levels. Traditional membership is open to youth ages 5 to 19 as of January 1, and Cloverbuds ages 5 to 8 are noncompetitive.
State 4-H Roundup
Roundup is held on the Oklahoma State University campus in Stillwater. The 2026 schedule runs July 21-24 and includes contests such as Tractor, Food Showdown, Cloverbowl, Fashion Review, Livestock Quizbowl and 4-H Has Talent, plus workshops and an Honor Night. For 2025 the page said youth must have completed the 7th grade by July 1.
County events
Counties set their own calendars. Ottawa County, for example, lists a county fair in August, day camps in June and July, and March contests in public speaking, photography, design and food. Ask your county Extension office for dates, costs and deadlines.
Learn more
See the State 4-H Roundup agenda or call the State 4-H Office at (405) 744-5394.
Read the full guide: Oklahoma 4-H Roundup and County 4-H Events: A Guide for Families
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- OCA Steer Carcass Challenge
Feedout and carcass contest from the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Foundation and Oklahoma Junior Cattlemen's Association: steers delivered Nov. 13, 2026 in Stillwater are fed out, harvested April-June 2027 and scored on feedyard performance and carcass merit.
- OSU Winter Crop School
Three-day Oklahoma State University winter crop school for producers, held in Stillwater.
Stillwater, OK | Organizer: Oklahoma State University Official event details - Payne County Junior Livestock Show
2026 show days Feb 21-25 with the Premium Sale on Feb 26 at the Payne County Expo Center. The 2025 show ran Feb 22-27, so it recurs annually.
4518 Expo Circle E, Stillwater, OK 74075 | Organizer: Payne County OSU Extension Official event details - Oklahoma Junior Cattlemen Summer Preview Show
OJCA junior beef cattle show held at the Payne County Expo Center, hosted by the Oklahoma Junior Cattlemen Association board of directors.
- Oklahoma State 4-H Horse Show
Statewide 4-H horse show using the Green Arena and White Arena, held July 9-11, 2026;.
Stillwater, OK Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.