Friday Forecast 12/13/2024
Dakota County 4-H Weekly Newsletter
Re-enroll in 4-H now so you don't miss important communication
Members must re-enroll in 4-H each year. To ensure you don't miss any important 4-H communication, re-enroll in 4-H today to take advantage of all the opportunities Dakota County 4-H and Minnesota 4-H have to offer. Projects from last year do not carry over to the new 4-H year so you will not receive project specific communication unless you re-enroll.
Log into 4-H Online to re-enroll and to review, update and submit the following information:
- Health and emergency contact information.
- Family contact and demographic information, including club, school and grade.
- 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.
Winter weather cancellation for 4-H events
In the event of inclement weather, an email will be sent to registered participants informing them of the status of a 4-H event. It is important to pre-registered by the set deadline so you can be informed of any cancellations. 4-H staff will post cancellations on our Facebook page. When there is threatening weather, please use your best judgment when determining if it is safe to travel.
If the weather event is in the morning, please check your email messages before heading out to be sure the event hasn’t been canceled.
If schools are canceled due to the weather, 4-H events, including club meetings, need to be canceled.
Order Dakota County 4-H clothing by Dec. 16
4-H branded clothing items available for your holiday shopping needs! You may have seen them at the Dakota County Fair or displayed at the Extension Office. A variety of styles and sizes available. Orders should be placed by Dec. 16. Once your order is received, we will confirm that we have what you want, and let you know the total. Arrangements for pick-up of items will be made after payment is received. Dakota County 4-H clothing order form
Clothing items available and prices:
- Youth & Adult short sleeve tee: $12
- Youth crew-neck sweatshirt: $16
- Adult crew-neck sweatshirt: $20
- Adult Hoodie: $25
- Adult gray quarter zip: $25
Questions? Contact Kris Vatter, kvatter@umn.edu.
Office closed Dec. 25 & Jan. 1
The Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center will be closed Dec. 25 & Jan. 1. To ensure someone is available to assist you, it is best to contact staff before coming to the office. Staff contact information listed below. The after-hours drop box between the front doors is also an option for secure drop-off.
Wishing you a happy and safe holiday season.
We're hiring!
Dakota County 4-H staff are looking for three interns for summer 2025. Gain experience working with youth, planning programs, and developing your professional skills. Visit the Extension careers page to learn more about the summer intern positions and to apply. Preference given to applicants that apply by Nov. 24; applications will re-open next week. For questions or to learn more, contact Kirsten at 952-240-7947 or kapeders@umn.edu.
Leadership Opportunities
BLU leadership workshop - Feb. 1-2; register by Jan. 10
Registration is open for Building Leadership and Understanding (BLU)! Youth in grades 6+ are invited to this leadership workshop to participate in hands-on activities, team-building experiences, and make a difference in their community. Cost is $100 and covers meals, lodging, activities, supplies and a long-sleeved t-shirt. Registration deadline: Jan. 10.
Feb. 1-2, at Camp Friendship, Annandale
Transportation information is coming soon from event staff. Carpooling is encouraged as well.
The Dakota County 4-H Federation will cover 50% of registration and 100% of van costs for enrolled youth.
Sign up to join the 2024-25 4-H Ambassador Team; open to 6th grade and up
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. It 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 2024-25 Ambassador program.
If you have questions, contact Rachel at reza0027@umn.edu.
Apply today to be part of the Horse Project Development Committee (PDC)
Now is your chance to make a difference in the Horse and Horseless Horse projects. All youth and adults interested in getting involved in the leadership and planning of Horse or Horseless Horse (HLH) educational and fun project activities can apply using this form. The PDC is responsible for setting goals, planning events like clinics and the Fun Show, and making sure youth are receiving education around the Horse and HLH projects. There are sub-committees available for additional volunteers. This group meets monthly, based on availability. See application for requirements. Applicants must be re-enrolled in 4-H Online to apply.
Questions can be directed to Kris Vatter, kvatter@umn.edu or Kirsten Pederson, kapeders@umn.edu.
Shooting Sports & Wildlife
4-H Shooting Sports & Wildlife project Information and practice schedule
Youth will learn important life skills through safe and educational experiences and will explore firearms safety and the importance of conserving Minnesota's natural resources. Trained and certified 4-H leaders throughout Minnesota lead this program.
Dakota County offers different activities for many skill levels from newcomer to advanced.
Archery: Grade 3 and up
BB: Grade 3 and up
Air Rifle: Grade 4 and up
.22 Long Rifle: Grade 6 and up
Muzzle Loading: Grade 7 and up
Shotgun: Grade 6 and up
Wildlife/WHEP: Grade K and up
Cloverbuds can only participate in Wildlife activities.
Dakota County 4-H has all equipment needed for youth to participate and try each discipline. Once a person starts attending consistently, it is wise to invest in personal eye and ear protection (best comfort, best shooting). Using personal equipment is fine, we just ask to be able to look it over before using it on the ranges.
4-H provides the first box of ammo for youth to try Shotgun; if a youth continues with Shotgun, that becomes a personal expense.
Those who have never shot with 4-H before will start on BB or Air Rifle, until coaches feel youth are comfortable with firearm safety and ready to move onto another discipline (and meet grade requirements).
Youth do not have to attend all meetings or practices, however, there are minimum hours required in discipline practice and a minimum of eight hours of wildlife education for participation in the MN 4-H State Shooting Sports Invitational held in Sept. Practice and wildlife hours need to be signed off by a SS&W certified instructor.
If you are interested in the SSW project, sign-up for SSW in 4-H Online to ensure you receive communication about upcoming events and schedule changes.
Winter indoor practice:
Indoor archery practice at BlackHawk Middle School, 1540 Deerwood Drive, Eagan; 2:30-5:00 p.m. Sundays: January 26, February 9 & 23, March 9 & 16, April 13 & 27
Indoor Air practice is held at the Rosemount American Legion, 14590 Burma Ave W, Rosemount; 5:30-7:30 p.m.: Dec. 18, Jan. 8 & 22, Feb. 5 & 17, March 5 & 17, April 9 & 23
Members are encouraged to use the SPOND app to indicate attendance, so coaches can plan for the space. Five youth must RSVP in order to hold practice.
Wildlife and WHEP (open to any 4-H’er) project meetings are typically held monthly at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center, 4100 220th Street West in Farmington. If the location changes, project members will be notified in advance. Watch the weekly Friday Forecast newsletter and project member emails for dates/times.
If practices cannot be held at stated facilities due to weather or conflicting schedules of facilities, families will be notified by their respective coaches.
4-H Online Event Registration User Guide
Registration for most 4-H workshops and events is done in 4-H Online. The 4-H Online event registration guide has step-by-step instructions to walk you through how to register. Youth must be enrolled in 4-H Online (with enrollment approved) to register for an event in 4-H Online.
You will only be able to register for an event in 4-H Online after your 4-H Online enrollment has been approved by staff. Keep in mind that 4-H enrollments are not approved after hours or on the weekend. You will receive an email when your 4-H enrollment has been approved and then you will be able to register for the event in 4-H Online.
Workshop Opportunities
Grade K-5: "SOUP-er Saturday" workshop - Jan. 11; must register by Jan. 3
Join the fun on Saturday, Jan. 11, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Pleasant Hill Library in Hastings for this in-person workshop. Please note the change in time and location. Youth will make a homemade dry soup mix, crafts and participate in other hands-on activities. Cloverbud and Sprouts 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. Participants must be enrolled in Kindergarten and at least 5 years of age as of Sept. 1 of the current year to enroll as a Cloverbud. Dakota County 4-H members are welcome to bring non-4-H friends (grade K-5) to workshops too! Workshop is free but participants must pre-register by the deadline.
All participants will register for the workshop in 4-H Online. Registration due Fri., Jan. 3. Refer to the 4-H Online event registration guide for assistance. Questions regarding the workshop can be directed to Rachel Rezac at 651-480-7754 or reza0027@umn.edu.
Additional workshops: Feb. 8, March 8, April 5, May 3
Cloverbud (Gr. K-2) and Sprouts (Gr. 3-5) workshop schedule
Cloverbud and Sprouts workshop are fun-filled events led by the Dakota County 4-H Ambassador team. Workshops feature age-appropriate programs focusing on hands-on, safe activities meant to engage youth and create new friendships. The University of Minnesota Extension 4-H Cloverbud and Sprouts Programs are designed specifically for youth in grades Kindergarten through fifth grade. Participants must be enrolled in kindergarten and be at least 5 years of age as of September 1 of the current year to enroll in 4-H as a Cloverbud. Dakota County 4-H Cloverbud and Sprouts members are welcome to bring non-4-H friends to workshops! 4-H Cloverbud and Sprouts members need to be enrolled in 4-H Online before participating in any 4-H event. Workshops are free to attend, but participants must register one week in advance, in 4-H Online.
Workshop dates: Feb. 8, March 8, April 5, May 3 from 9 to 11 a.m. Most workshops will be held at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center, 4100 220th St. West in Farmington, however location is subject to change.
Contact Rachel Rezac at reza0027@umn.edu with questions.
Project Bowl
What is project bowl?
Project Bowl is a long-standing program in Minnesota 4-H and is the second most attended event of the year. In Project Bowl, teams of 3-6 youth members build skills working and thinking together while testing their knowledge in these 4-H areas: dairy, dog, general livestock, horse, llama-alpaca, plant science, poultry and rabbit.
There are four regional bowls, which lead to the state competition. Each regional contest has two divisions for dog, horse, poultry and rabbit: Junior (grades 3-8) and Senior (grades 4 through one-year post-high school). New this year, in dairy and general livestock, there will be three divisions: Junior (grades 3-5), Intermediate (grades 3-8) and Senior (grades 4 through one-year post-high school).
Regional winners advance to the State 4-H Project Bowl contest. Llama-alpaca and plant science teams have the opportunity to participate in the State 4-H Project Bowl. Winners at the state level in dairy, general livestock, horse and poultry can advance to national contests.
Get your friends together, study hard, and have fun during the Project Bowl season!
Contact Jess Beissel, reed0324@umn.edu if you have questions.
Poultry Project Bowl practice and kick-off meeting - Dec. 19
What is 4-H project bowl? In Project Bowl, teams of 3-6 youth members build skills working and thinking together while testing their knowledge on the poultry project.
Join us on Friday, Dec. 20 at 5:30 p.m. for the first practice and information meeting at the Dakota County Extension & Conservation Center, 4100 220th St. West in Farmington.
If you are still interested in joining please reach out to Jess Beissel. Please enroll in 4-H Online before attending.
Questions? Contact Jess Beissel at reed0324@umn.edu
Rabbit project bowl practices have started; next practice Dec. 19
Rabbit project bowl practice has started at the Dakota County Extension & Conservation Center, 4100 220th St. West in Farmington. Practice is 6-7 p.m. If you are still interested in joining, please reach out to Jess Beissel.
Please enroll in 4-H Online before attending.
Upcoming rabbit project bowl practice dates: Jan. 9, 16, 23, 30
Questions? Contact Jess Beissel at reed0324@umn.edu
Sign up for Bowling 101!
Bowling 101 is a non-competitive opportunity for younger, inexperienced members to try Project Bowl. This event will be held virtually with 4-H'ers joining a Zoom meeting and using the Kahoot! app to participate. There will be two sessions offered:
- Grades K-2: Tuesday, Dec. 17, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
- Grades 3+: Thursday, Dec. 19, 6:30-7:30 p.m. - Recommended for grades 3-5, but open to all youth interested in learning about Project Bowl who have not participated before.
Regional & Statewide Opportunties
Wildlife Wednesdays series
Discover the wonderful world of wildlife around you with Wildlife Wednesdays! Join us as we explore and uncover the fascinating lives of wildlife with experts, biologists and Master Naturalists. For youth in grades K-13. This series of wonder and wander will bring to youth conservation knowledge and the start of lifelong respect for the environment around us.
Sessions held virtually, 7-8 p.m., on the following Wednesdays: Dec. 18; Jan. 8, 15, 22 and 29; Feb. 5, 12, 19 and 26; March 12, 19 and 26; and April 2 and 9.
Workshop series is free, but pre-registration in 4-H Online required. Learn more and register.
Let’s Talk About Disability series starts Jan. 9
This is a VIRTUAL five-session series designed to provide a safe place for youth in grades 6-12 to have important conversations about disability and learn to be better allies to those in the disability community. Youth will be able to connect, share and hear from 4-H alumni in a safe and supportive environment facilitated by their peers online Thursdays, Jan. 9 through Feb. 6 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Registration is now open for this FREE workshop! Approved 4-H volunteers are also welcome. Learn more and register.
Cake decorating series starts Jan. 27
The 4-H virtual cake decorating series is back! Join us from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Mondays, Jan. 27 through Feb. 17 for virtual project learning in cake decorating! Sessions will be led by a professional cake decorator and include cake decorating techniques through hands-on learning.
Session topics:
Series is open to youth in 3rd grade and older. Cost: $10 per family plus additional cost of supplies, which will be provided after registration. Register and learn more.
4-H Horse Winter Round Up leadership conference
Winter Round Up is an exciting three-day, two-night conference of adult and youth leadership and 4-H horse project learning. It's for youth in sixth grade or older who are interested in horses, as well as adult horse project leaders. Parents and adult 4-H volunteers are also welcome. Winter Round Up includes speakers, educational workshops and many hands-on activities. In addition to gaining useful information and participating in activities, there are opportunities to share information, network with other horse project leaders and youth, make new friends and have fun! Register in 4-H Online.
Cost:
- $125 - Early bird registration by Jan. 2
- $135 - Registration Jan. 3 and after
Summer and Fair Related Dates
Arts-In: Save the dates!
Arts-In is a 4-H performing arts summer program for youth who have completed grade 3 and up. Shows are filled with singing, acting, choreography, creative energy, and a whole lot of fun! Participants learn together, combine their talents, and support each other to bring each musical to life!
- Student Director application deadline - Friday, June 6
- Arts-In participant application deadline – Friday, June 20
- Arts-In auditions – Thursday, June 26; 6-7:30 p.m., Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center
- Arts-In rehearsals – July 14-18 (all day, includes Friday), Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center
- Arts-In rehearsal/performances - August 7-10, Dakota County Fair, 4-H Building. Times TBD
4-H project judging dates
- July 7 – County fair registration deadline; registration completed in FairEntry.com
- July 21 – Pet & Cat Show
- July 23 – Photography, Video, Computer, *Food Revue, Public Presentation judging
- July 28 – Animal Science Night – livestock interviews, Oversized exhibit drop-off
- July 30 – Clothing and Fashion Revue judging
- Aug.2 – General Exhibit judging
*Food Revue has been added to pre-fair judging per feedback from families
2025 fair and showcase event dates
- Dakota County Fair: Aug. 4-10
- MN State Fair: Aug. 21-Sept. 1
- MN 4-H State Fair Livestock encampment: Aug. 20-25
- MN 4-H State Shooting Sports Invitational: Sept. 5-7; Alexandria, MN
- MN 4-H State Horse Show: Sept. 5-8; Simon Arena, Cannon Falls, MN
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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