Black History Month
Did you know that Minnesota has an African American History Museum? Located at 1256 Penn Avenue N. Fourth Floor, Minneapolis, MN, the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery (MAAHMG) preserves, documents and highlights the achievements, contributions and experiences of African Americans in Minnesota. Plan your visit today!
Members must re-enroll in 4-H Online every year
Each year, 4-H families need to show your family's intent to participate by logging in to 4-H Online and re-enrolling. Club and projects do not carry-over from last year. You will only receive email communication for projects you have signed up for so review your project list to be sure you didn't miss a project.
Log into 4-H Online to re-enroll and to review, update and submit the following information:
- Family contact and demographic information, including club, school and grade.
- Each family member's health and emergency contact information.
- Project areas of interest for the new 4-H year.
- Parental consent required for youth participating in shooting spots/wildlife programs.
See the 4-H Online enrollment guide for step-by-step instructions.
If you have questions or would like to opt-out of 4-H, please email Cherie.
Seeking 4-H Arts-In Director for summer show
Do you have a flair for the dramatic? Are you a secret screenwriter? If yes, the summer Arts-In program needs you!
The Director is hired to lead the ensemble through writing, casting, choreography, music and whatever else needs to be done for a successful show. This is a part-time hourly position and individuals must complete University of Minnesota payroll paperwork, including completing an in-person I-9 (identification verification process) and have a successful completion of a background check prior to June 7, 2024.
Details, dates, and expectations are outlined in the job description. Arts-In Job Description and Application
Contact Kris Vatter at kvatter@umn.edu if you have questions.
Cleary Lake Veterinary Hospital Tour - March 18; register by March 4
This workshop open to youth grade 3 and older is an opportunity to learn about basic horse care. Have you ever de-wormed a horse? Given your equine oral meds or vaccinations? Are you familiar with TPR, body condition or how to put a bandage on? The veterinary staff at Cleary Lake Veterinary Hospital in Prior Lake are going to share basic horse health care.
Workshop is Monday, March 18; 3:50-6 p.m. in Prior Lake. While the staff will be concentrating their instruction on horses, this seminar is open to youth in the horse, horseless horse, veterinary science, ag, and livestock projects. Adult family members are encouraged to attend alongside the youth.
Cost is $5. All money collected will be donated to the GRG Horse Rescue and Sanctuary. Please register by March 4 in 4-HOnline.
Contact Kirsten Pederson at kapeders@umn.edu if you have questions.
LQA&E Training - June 21
Mark your calendars for the 2024 Livestock Quality Assurance and Ethics training (LQA&E). Training will be held on Friday, June 21 from 8:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at Dee Brother LLC in Farmington, MN. More information to come.
LQA&E training is required for any youth 6th grade and above that would take a state fair trip. It is required for youth exhibiting dairy, beef, sheep, swine, goats, llama, rabbit and poultry to complete this course every three years.
If you are unable to attend the in-person training on June 21 you have the option of completing the YQCA online training, good for one year, or attending a training hosted by another county.
All LQA&E training needs to be completed by July 26 to be eligible to accept a MN 4-H state fair livestock trip, if given the opportunity.
Contact Jessica Beissel if you have questions at reed0324@umn.edu.
College scholarships available to high school seniors; applications due March 15
Dakota County 4-H members who are high school seniors that will be graduating in 2024 and will be attending an accredited college, university, community college, or technical college during the fall 2024 quarter/semester are eligible to apply for the following college scholarships. Review each scholarship application for specific application requirements.
Scholarships are open to ALL enrolled Dakota County 4-H members; not limited to 4-H members involved in animal science projects.
4-H Livestock Auction Scholarship applications
Jacque Devney Memorial Scholarship application
Contact Jess Beissel with any questions at reed0324@umn.edu.
4-H Cloverbud & Sprouts Riveting workshop - Thursday, Feb. 22; register by Feb. 16
Back by popular demand! If you missed our January event, join us on Thursday, February 22. Workshop activities will be repeated from the January 27 event. Cloverbud (grade K-2) and Sprout (grade 3-5) workshops are fun-filled hands-on workshops where youth will meet new friends, learn new skills, participate in engaging activities and create exciting projects!
On Feb. 22 at this rivet-themed workshop, youth will make a homemade book and participate in other hands-on activities. Workshops are fun-filled events led by the Dakota County 4-H Ambassador team. Workshops feature age-appropriate programs focusing on fun, safe, non-competitive activities meant to engage youth and create new friendships.
Workshop is Thursday, Feb. 22, 6:00-7:15 p.m. at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center in Farmington. Registration due Feb. 16 to allow staff and the ambassador team enough time to secure and prepare workshop supplies.
Registration due Friday, Feb. 16 in 4-H Online. The 4-H Online event registration guide will walk you through how to register. If you are new to 4-H, please select the “Virtual 4-H” or “In Person Camp/Event” club for your county. In the projects field, choose the project your primary focus is on and any other project areas you have an interest in. Contact Cherie if you have questions.
Contact Rachel at reza0027@umn.edu if you have questions.
Get Frosted - Cake Celebration - Feb. 24; register by Feb. 19
“Get Frosted”- Cake Celebration workshop is a fun event that will be both in-person and feature a live feed from the other locations. This event is based loosely on the Netflix series “Nailed It”. The day will include learning interesting techniques from local bakery professionals, participating in decorating challenges, and learning about how to present your masterpiece at county fair.
Workshop is for youth grades 3 and up.
Youth will be provided with cake and the supplies needed to complete the challenge on-site and will take their creations home at the end of the challenge! Sponsored by Benton, Carver, Dakota & Scott, youth will be hands-on in their home county, with a live feed with youth from the other locations! There will be prizes & giveaways.
Workshop is Saturday, Feb. 24, 9 a.m.- Noon at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center in Farmington.
Cost: $20 per participant. Register by February 19 in 4HOnline under EVENTS.
Questions can be directed to Kris Vatter, kvatter@umn.edu.
Build it, Play it: Game workshop - Feb. 24; register by Feb. 20
In this workshop, youth grade 3 and up will have the opportunity to get creative and invent a brand new game, then challenge friends and family over pizza. Youth will explore what makes a game fun before creating their very own game from scratch.
Workshop is Saturday, Feb. 24, 9 a..m.-1:30 p.m. at the Dakota County Extension & Conservation Center in Farmington. Pizza will be delivered at noon, when families are invited to return and play the new inventions. This event is available to all enrolled members and may appeal to those in STEM and Engineering Design projects.
Cost is $5. Registration is due Feb. 20 in 4-H Online.
Questions can be directed to Kris Vatter, kvatter@umn.edu.
Improv Fundamentals workshop - March 2; register by Feb. 26
Youth grades 8 and up are invited to this exciting workshop to learn beginner improvisation in theater. This class will offer introductory performance tools for the beginner improviser. We will practice Improv fundamentals that showcase how to take space for yourself, give space to your classmates and scene partners, chase joy, and trust yourself and others. This class is for both those who want to perform and those who just want to play. No prior experience is required. Instructor Michael Rogers is an improv educator and performer who's taught on dozens of stages nationwide.
Workshop is Saturday, March 2; 10 a.m.-Noon at the Dakota Extension and Conservation Center in Farmington.
Cost is $5. Register by Feb. 26 in 4-H Online.
Contact Kris Vatter at kvatter@umn.edu.
4-H Cloverbud & Sprout Pizza My Heart workshop- March 16; register by March 8
Who doesn’t love pizza? Join the ambassador team in a yummy, hands-on pizza-themed workshop. Cloverbud (grade K-2) and Sprout (grade 3-5) workshops are fun-filled workshops where youth will meet new friends, learn new skills, participate in engaging activities and create exciting projects! Youth will make a homemade take and bake mini pizza and participate in other hands-on activities. Workshops are fun-filled events led by the Dakota County 4-H Ambassador team. Workshops feature age-appropriate programs focusing on fun, safe, non-competitive activities meant to engage youth and create new friendships.
Workshop is Sat., March 16, 9-11 a.m. at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center in Farmington. Registration due March 8 to allow staff and the ambassador team enough time to secure and prepare workshop supplies.
Registration due Friday, March 8 in 4-H Online. The 4-H Online event registration guide will walk you through how to register. If you are new to 4-H, please select the “Virtual 4-H” or “In Person Camp/Event” club for your county. In the projects field, choose the project your primary focus is on and any other project areas you have an interest in. Contact Cherie if you have questions on 4-H Online.
Contact Rachel at reza0027@umn.edu if you have questions regarding the workshop.
2023-24 Cloverbud and Sprouts workshop dates
Join the fun at the FREE Cloverbud and Sprouts workshops! The University of Minnesota Extension 4-H Cloverbud (K-2) and Sprouts (3-5) programs are designed specifically for youth in grades Kindergarten through fifth grade. Participants must be enrolled in Kindergarten and at least 5 years of age as of September 1 of the current year to enroll as a Cloverbud. Dakota County 4-H members are welcome to bring non-4-H friends to workshops!
These events are held one Saturday a month from 9-11 a.m. at various locations. Participants will engage in hands-on activities, meet new friends, and more!
Additional workshop dates and registration deadline:
April 13; registration deadline April 5
May 4; registration deadline April 26
**Please note: dates, times and locations are subject to change.
Workshop registration will be through 4-H Online. Refer to the 4-H Online event registration guide for details on registering in 4-H Online.
For liability purposes, all participants must be enrolled in 4-H Online before attending.
Workshops registration is required one week before the workshop to ensure enough supplies are on-hand for participants and to allow ambassadors and staff time to order and prepare materials. Space is limited.
Contact Rachel at reza0027@umn.edu if you have questions regarding the K-5 programming.
4-H Engineering Design Challenge (EDC) theme announced! Judging Aug. 12
This year’s EDC theme pushes youth to focus on an issue we face here in Minnesota along with the rest of the world— extreme weather events resulting from a changing climate. The challenge asks teams of youth to create a Rube Goldberg (TM) type machine that prepares and protects against an extreme weather event. This year's Engineering Design Challenge Showcase event will take place Aug. 12 at St. Cloud State University. Contact Kris Vatter at kvatter@umn.edu if you are interested in being on a team and/or coaching a team. Learn more.
Minnesota 4-H Key Award applications due April 1
Every year, we recognize a group of exceptional youth leaders that have contributed many hours of service to our program. The Key Award recognizes your contributions to your club and the community and encourages you to grow as an outstanding citizen.
In order to apply for this award, you must meet the requirements that are detailed in the application. Applications are due to the Dakota County Extension Office in Farmington by April 1. Contact Jess Beissel with any questions at reed0324@umn.edu.
Sign up to join the 2023-24 Dakota County 4-H Ambassador Team; Open to youth 6th grade and older
The Dakota County 4-H ambassador program is open to youth in grades 6-13, who enjoy volunteering and working with younger members. The ambassador program is a great way to share your leadership skills while helping your community. The 4-H ambassador program allows youth to take part in activities to help them become leaders and good citizens. A 4-H ambassador is an enthusiastic leader who promotes the organization using the skills, knowledge, and leadership abilities acquired in 4-H. They serve to strengthen the 4-H program through public relations and serve as a positive role model for younger members. Some past activities include: participating in community service projects, planning and leading Cloverbud and Sprouts activities, and promoting 4-H at various events throughout Dakota County.
Gatherings are scheduled before Federation at 6 p.m. Here is a tentative schedule. Additional activities and dates will be added once the group meets to discuss goals for the upcoming year. Please note: dates are subject to change and are dependent on meeting the minimum participation requirements. Parents and guardians are asked to help support the program to ensure compliance with the Safety of Minors policy.
Sign-up here to participate in the 2023-24 Ambassador program.
If you have questions, contact Rachel at reza0027@umn.edu.
Wildlife Wednesdays series continues
Have you ever looked out your window and wondered about the animals that share the same environment as you do? How do they stay warm in the winter? Why do some of our winged friends fly south when the weather changes and some hang around? Discover the wonderful world of wildlife around you with Wildlife Wednesdays! Series open to youth grades K-13. Workshop series is free.
Join us as we explore and uncover the fascinating lives of wildlife with wildlife experts, biologists and Master Naturalists. This series of wonder and wander will bring to youth conservation knowledge and the start of lifelong respect for the environment around us.
Sessions will be held virtually, 7-8 p.m., on Wednesdays from Jan. 31 to April 24, except Feb. 14.
Registration: Register in 4-H Online.
Quilt Quest 2024 starts Feb. 25; register by Feb. 22
Youth 4th grade and up are invited to join Jodi and MaryAnn for a fun-filled statewide quilting adventure. Participants will meet virtually, to make a quilt top using the pattern “Do the Shuffle”. Explore tips and techniques of using the tools and tricks of making a quilt.
The cost for this event FREE, however you will need to purchase supplies to complete the quilt. A supply list will be provided during the first class. How to videos will be available for assistance.
This event will be held virtually Sundays, 5:00-6:00 pm, Feb 25, Mar 3, 10, 17, 24 & Apr 28, 2024. Registration due Feb. 22. Learn more and register.
Please direct any questions to Jodi at hintz010@umn.edu
Join the 4-H Green Superheroes of Sciences!
Calling youth in grades K-3!! Join the Green Superhero of Science and engage in fun weekly experiments that spark curiosity and discovery. Create moon dough (a bio-plastic), explore green chemistry and make a foaming fizzy, engineer materials to build a super soaker, solve a plastic litter mystery and create an art sculpture, and more!
Each youth will receive a kit of materials in the mail before class. Each experiment includes a lesson plan and “How To” recorded video to guide youth in doing the “at home” experiment before a weekly interactive “LIVE” Superheroes gathering. Youth will “show and tell” what they explored, tested, and discovered! Our 4-H Teen Superheros will lead these sharing sessions.
Online sessions will take place on Tuesdays, April 9, 16, 23 and 30 from 6:30 - 7:00 p.m. Our April 30 meeting will be longer, 6:30-7:15 pm.
Cost: The cost of the supply kit is $20. Sign up by, Thursday, March 7 to receive the supply and lesson activity plans in the mail. Scholarships are available by request. Please contact Lauren Backes, backes@umn.edu. Questions can be directed to Regional Educator, Anne Stevenson at steve020@umn.edu.
MN 4-H livestock in a box series
The Minnesota 4-H livestock in a box series is back! The 4-H animal science team is excited to roll out the second collection of learning kits for youth to explore animal science. This year's 4-H livestock in a box series will focus on the animal science project areas of pets (dog and cat), beef, sheep and swine. Each box will include all of the supplies necessary to complete lessons on breed identification, nutrition, health, care and associated careers. The lessons and hands-on learning activities are designed for youth in grades 4-7 to explore with little to no adult assistance. This is a fun and exciting way to explore these 4-H animal science projects.
Cost: Boxes are $25 each, which includes shipping directly to homes. Families may select individual boxes or order the entire series.
Ordered boxes will be prepared and delivered to families in the following schedule:
- February - Sheep; March - Swine
Registration: Supplies are limited, so we encourage families to order the kits in 4-H Online as soon as possible. For assistance, refer to the event registration guide. Youth must be enrolled in 4-H to participate. Not enrolled? Learn more or join 4-H.
4-H Next Level Video Creation series starts March 19
Do you have some basic knowledge of video creation and editing, but want to bring your videos to the next level? Then you need to join this Zoom video class!! Designed for youth in 8th grade & older who already have a baseline knowledge of video creation and editing, this online program will dive deep into creating the videos that you always dreamed you could make! In this class, you will create a video on a theme with the guidance of a professional instructor! Cost is $15.
- Class meets March 19, March 26 and April 2 from 5 to 6 p.m. via Zoom.
- Registration deadline: March 13.
Questions? Email Alicia at aawebb@umn.edu
4-H Rabbit Fun Show in Douglas County - April 28
Are you looking for a rabbit judging experience before the county fair? Do you need to purchase a rabbit for showing before the May 15 deadline? Need your rabbit tattooed or are you in the market for rabbit supplies?
Mark your calendars for Sunday, April 28 and attend the Douglas County 4-H Rabbit Fun Show annual event. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. and judging begins at 11:30 a.m. Cost is $ 3 per rabbit entered.
Rabbits for sale
Rabbit tattooing available
Ribbons and medallions awarded
Food stand on site
Door prizes and silent auction offered
Register day of show at the door.
This show has lots to offer! For more information or questions, contact the Douglas County Extension office at 320-762-3890 or mnext-douglas@umn.edu.
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We have a new Instagram account! Please follow us at Dakota.County4H or connect via Facebook at DakotaCounty4H.
Dakota County 4-H Contacts
Jessica Beissel: reed0324@umn.edu, 651-480-7752
Kirsten Pederson: kapeders@umn.edu, 651-480-7722
Rachel Rezac: reza0027@umn.edu, 651-480-7754
Kris Vatter: kvatter@umn.edu, 651-480-7758
Cherie Frandrup: frand004@umn.edu, 651-480-7702
Website: https://extension.umn.edu/local/dakota
Location: 4100 220th Street West, Suite 101, Farmington, MN, USA
Phone: 651-480-7700
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dakota.county4h