Alpha Training Overview
Alpha Training is the advanced, hands-on portion of the Harvest Ready program. This training is designed for individuals who want to move beyond classroom learning and gain direct, supervised operating experience with farm equipment in a controlled, safety-focused environment.
Alpha Training is by application only and requires successful completion of Core Training.
This is 1-on-1 or small-group instruction with experienced trainers — focused on confidence, safety, precision, and readiness.
Who Alpha Training Is For
Alpha Training is ideal for:
Individuals seeking real operator experience
Farm employees looking to improve skills and safety awareness
Young operators preparing for harvest responsibilities
Seasonal workers wanting to increase earning potential
Anyone aiming to enter the Harvest Ready Certified Operator Pool
Training Format
1-on-1 & Small Group Instruction
Dedicated instructor
Direct coaching
Live equipment interaction
Skill progression
Immediate feedback
Supervised Operating Time
Tractor operation
Field maneuvering
Grain cart positioning
Equipment awareness
Harvest traffic flow
Loading & unloading positioning
No unsupervised driving. No independent operation. All instruction is directly supervised.
Training Focus Areas
1. Advanced Tractor Operation
Smooth throttle control
Clutching and shifting refinement
Powershift vs CVT understanding
Speed control under load
Precision maneuvering
Safe stopping procedures
2. Grain Cart Operation & Positioning
Safe approach to combine
Proper unload alignment
Speed matching
Visibility awareness
Cart positioning in soft ground
Efficient pull-away procedures
3. Field Flow & Traffic Management
Combine-to-cart coordination
Multi-machine environments
Safe turning procedures
Headland awareness
Obstacle recognition
Efficient harvest patterns
4. Communication & Decision-Making
Radio communication
Hand signals
Anticipation of operator needs
Safety-first decision making
Situational awareness
Mistake prevention
Training Environment
Alpha Training takes place in a structured, controlled, instructor-led environment:
Direct supervision at all times
Dedicated training equipment
Controlled traffic flow
Clearly defined safety rules
Professional instructors
This allows trainees to learn confidently, safely, and effectively.
Certification Pathway
Alpha Training is the final step toward becoming a Harvest Ready Certified Operator.
Successful participants may qualify for:
Entry into the Harvest Ready Certified Operator Pool
Referral opportunities to local farmers
Seasonal employment opportunities
Verified operator documentation
Certification is performance-based and safety-driven — not automatic.
Safety Commitment
Harvest Ready operates on a zero-compromise safety model:
No unsupervised driving
No independent equipment operation
No high-risk training situations
No pressure-based learning
Clear instructor control at all times
Safety always comes before productivity.
Prerequisites
To enroll in Alpha Training, participants must:
Successfully complete Core Training
Demonstrate safety awareness
Follow all training rules
Maintain professional conduct
Pricing
Alpha Training: $125 per hour
1-on-1 or small group instruction
Direct operator coaching
Supervised equipment experience
Advanced skill development
Alpha Training is booked in hourly blocks following Core Training completion.
Training Outcomes
Upon completion, attendees will:
Understand safe equipment operation
Build confidence in real-world scenarios
Improve decision-making
Gain verified supervised experience
Prepare for harvest readiness
Call to Action
Complete Core Training. Advance through Alpha Training. Become Harvest Ready Certified.