Friday Forecast 6/14/2024

Mark your calendars for the 2024 Livestock Quality Assurance training (LQA). Training will be held on Friday, June 21 from 8:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at Dee Brother LLC in Farmington, MN.

Training is REQUIRED for youth grade 6 and up, exhibiting beef, dairy, goat, llama, poultry, rabbit, sheep and swine at the MN State Fair and should be completed by July 26 in order to accept a MN 4-H state fair livestock trip, if given the opportunity.

LQA&E training is:

• Designed to enhance the educational experience of 4-H animal science projects.
• Valid for three fair seasons if completing the in-person training.
  
• Online training option available if unable to attend this training and is valid for one fair season.

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.

Register in 4-H Online by June 14. The 4-H Online event registration guide will walk you through how to register. Contact Cherie if you have questions on 4-H Online.

Contact Jessica Beissel if you have questions about the training at reed0324@umn.edu.

Registration for ALL 4-H exhibits/animals/activities for the county fair is now open in FairEntry.com. Review the FairEntry user guides and tutorials for detailed instructions on FairEntry. Use your 4-H Online login email address and password to log into FairEntry.com. Remember: you must click all the way through each member to actually "Submit" their entries.

FairEntry is where you will register the exhibits, animals and activities that you intend to bring to the fair. The deadline to register for county fair exhibits is Monday, July 8 at 11:59 p.m. This is a firm deadline with consequences if missed.

Only exhibits registered online in FairEntry by the county fair registration deadline (July 8) are eligible for exhibition at the fair without penalty. Late county fair entries will be accepted after the county’s pre-registration deadline, however, the following penalties will apply:

• No ribbon placings higher than a blue; no purple, overall champion, or reserve ribbons

• Not eligible for 4-H livestock auction

• Not eligible for state trip or events

Review the Dakota County 4-H Premium Book on the Dakota County 4-H webpage for information on projects, class details, rules, requirements, and schedules pertaining to fair and judging.

Contact Cherie if you have questions.

Dakota County 4-H Premium book is posted on the Dakota County 4-H webpage under the Fair information tab.

What is the premium book?

The Dakota County 4-H Premium Book is a guide for 4-H members, parents and volunteers used for planning, registering and exhibiting at the Dakota County Fair. The premium book is where you will find information on projects, class details for your projects, rules, requirements, and schedules pertaining to fair and judging other important information needed to exhibit at the county fair. It is your responsibility to follow the rules in the premium book.

Review the book to be sure your exhibit meets the necessary requirements. Exhibit entry and release times vary by project area so review the book to become familiar with these details.

It takes many caring adults to lead to the success of our 4-H programming. With summer around the corner there are many volunteer opportunities available including; chaperoning various 4-H events, helping with workshops, working in the food and malt stands and much more.

Interested in chaperoning at the state fair encampments? If so, volunteer screening must be completed by August 1 to be considered as a state fair chaperone.

We hope that you can take the time to complete the 4-H volunteer screening process so you can make an impact on our youth.

Contact 4-H staff if you have questions.

4-H families are invited to join the fun at the Cannon Valley Fair! This is a great way to kick-off the fair season and to get some practice in before your county fair whether in the show ring or with your general exhibits and demonstrations. All shows are non-qualifying for state events.

The dates have changed for this year! See the Cannon Valley Fair website at cannonvalleyfair.org for more information including the handbook, show schedule and registration information.

A limited supply of Cannon Valley Fair Handbooks available at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center in Farmington.

Know of a business or individual who would consider offering monetary support to the 4-H Champions at the 2024 Dakota County Fair? 4-H staff are looking for new donors and their contact information to help support the financial needs of the champion program.

Through a multi-tiered donation system, supporters can self-select a preferred amount. The cost to cover one award (plaque and shirt for the youth) is $35. Those who have additional capacity, can select higher amounts. Depending on the level, donors are recognized during livestock shows, the champion awards program or with our highest tier, donor’s logos are printed on the back of the recipient shirts. All donations are tax deductible.

If you or someone you know would like to support the Dakota County 4-H champions at the county fair, or want more information about the program, contact Rachel Rezac at reza0027@umn.edu to learn more.

4-H county membership dues should be paid before participating in 4-H events including county and state fairs, club meeting, camps, workshops, and state events.

Membership dues are $25/member and are paid every year. If you haven't paid dues for the 2023-24 4-H year, please submit dues now. Family Member Dues Payment Form 2023-24

Dues payments can be mailed to the Extension Office or placed in the drop box between the front doors of the Extension Office. Scholarships are available to cover dues if needed and can be requested by completing the dues payment form. Some clubs also collect dues to fund community creating activities and projects. Families should pay club dues at monthly meetings.

Contact Cherie if you are unsure if you have already paid dues for the 2023-24 4-H year.

What is crop scouting? Crop scouting is a way to inspect crops for potential outcomes and risks. Scouts are people who make systematic observations and predict crop production while considering factors such as weather, inputs like pesticides and herbicides, and risks such as disease and pests.

Take on a challenge and form a 4-H crop scouting team! By being on a 4-H crop scouting team, you will learn skills like teamwork, communication, problem solving and predicting outcomes. All skills your future employers are looking for!

If you are interested in learning more or want to join a team, contact Jessica Beissel at reed0324@umn.edu.

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. To register for an event in 4-H Online, the participant must be an active member in 4-H Online. If you are new to 4-H, please select the “Virtual 4-H” or “In Person Camp/Dakota County Event” club for your county. In the projects field, choose projects of interest.

**Note regarding registration. 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.

Please contact Cherie if you have questions.

Youth, grades K-5, are invited to attend one of our most popular events of the year. Staff are working on the theme but you can count on hands-on activities, engaging guest presenters, and games! Snacks and a full day of fun is included in the fee.

Date: Tuesday, June 25

Location: Dakota County Fairgrounds in the 4-H building

Drop Off: 8-8:30 a.m.

Pick Up: 4-4:30 p.m.

Registration: Register in 4-H Online by June 23; registrations after June 7 not guaranteed a camp t-shirt

Camp Fee: $35

Specific details such as what to bring and what to expect will be emailed prior to camp. Scholarships are available, please connect with Kirsten at kapeders@umn.edu or 952-240-7947 (text/call) for details.

Join us for a sheep workshop geared towards youth grade 3 and up who want to learn how to fit and show in the ring. This will be a hands-on workshop and participants are encouraged to bring their own lamb. Youth will be broken into groups with an adult or older 4-H youth who will help them learn how to shear a sheep. We will also have breakout sessions to learn how to set up and show your lamb in the ring.

When: June 26, 6-8 p.m.

Where: Dakota County Fairgrounds.

Cost: Free

Register: Registration due June 21 in 4-H Online

Contact Jessica Beissel at reed0324@umn.edu with questions.

Weekly in-person dog training classes continue on Monday nights at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center, 4100 220th St. West in Farmington. Review the dog training schedule as times vary each week depending upon which discipline you are participating in.

Complete the Dog Training and Registration form and BRING with payment to dog training.

Even if you don't plan to take part in the County Dog Show the Dog ID Affidavit and Vaccination Information must be completed to take part in the training sessions for health and safety reasons.

As with all 4-H project learning events, families are expected to volunteer throughout the season. A Sign-Up Genius will be shared for setting-up, checking in and tearing down at weekly practices. Please volunteer for the slots that best fit your schedule. This is crucial to the success of each session. Thank you in advance!

Get excited for the first horse project clinic of the summer! The schedule is set up so youth will be able to participate in both clinics in one evening.

4-H’ers grades K-13 are invited to a behind-the-scenes tour on Wednesday, June 19 from 5-8 p.m. at Canterbury Park, 1100 Canterbury Road, Shakopee, MN 55379. The tour will be both indoor and outdoor to include viewing the barns, training locations, and walking out on the track.

This event will focus on the horses at the Park, but 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. Parent/guardian must attend with youth grades K-2.

The event cost is $5 per person in attendance. All money collected will be donated to the Leg Up Fund, to assist injured and disabled Canterbury Park jockeys. Register in 4HOnline under EVENTS by June 14. To ensure your space in class, mail payments to Dakota County 4-H, 4100 220th St W, Suite 101, Farmington, MN 55024.

If additional family members would like to attend, please indicate this during the registration process. K-2 youth can attend with parents.

If you, or a 4-H participant, need disability-related or other accommodations to participate in this program or have questions about the physical accessibility of the event location, ask the staff at Canterbury by emailing cbypark@canterburypark.com or contact Kirsten Pederson, kapeders@umn.edu, at registration or at least two weeks prior to the program or event. Late notice may limit our ability to provide requested accommodations.

In the event of inclement weather, an email will be sent to registered participants informing them of the status of the 4-H event. 4-H staff will post cancellations on our Facebook page.

The Horseless Horse (HLH) program, led by youth leaders involved with the HLH and Horse project, will allow youth to work with horses in a variety of ways, while on the ground. Each session will include an educational component and hands-on activities. No experience is necessary. Open to youth grade 3 and up. Parents are invited to stay and observe outside the arena. Note: There is no riding in this program.

Topics covered at sessions: Behaviors, care, nutrition, first aid, showmanship, grooming, groundwork, anatomy, breeds, and more!

Dakota County Fair Opportunity: Youth have the opportunity to participate in the Showmanship at Halter Class at the Dakota County Fair in August.

*Youth must attend a minimum of 5 of the 8 lessons to participate in the class at the county fair.

Required: Participants must wear cowboy or riding boots and long pants. Helmets are required during lessons and will be available to borrow during lessons.

Lesson Dates: *June 18, 25, July 9, 23, 30; 7-8 p.m.

Location: Behrendt’s Barn, 7861 272nd St. West in Farmington.

Register: Registration in 4-H Online by May 12 AND for weekly sessions.

Cost: $25 to participate in the program and attend as many sessions as you wish. Please make checks payable to Dakota County 4-H. Mail or drop off to: Dakota County 4-H, 4100 220th Street West, Suite 101, Farmington, MN 55024 with 'HLH' noted in the memo line of your check.

Weekly sign-up: After you've registered in 4-H Online, participants sign-up for individual sessions so youth leaders can plan accordingly. Deadline to sign up for each session is the Sunday prior to the Tuesday session. For example, the deadline to sign up for Tuesday, June 18 is Sunday, June 16.

Horseless Horse Session Sign Ups 2024

If you have questions about the program or would like to talk through what the sessions look like please reach out to Kirsten at kapeders@umn.edu or 952-240-7947.

Arts-In is a performing arts summer program for youth who have completed grade 3 and above. All participants are cast in the show and learn a 30-minute original musical during encampment. Arts-In shows are filled with singing, acting, choreography and a whole lot of creative energy and fun! The shows are performed at the Dakota County Fair. Participants have a lot of fun!

Auditions: Evening of July 10.

Encampment: July 15-18.

Register: Register to participate in Arts-In in 4-H Online by June 21.

Cost: $50 to participate in the program. Send payment by June 21 registration deadline. Mail or drop off to: Dakota County 4-H, 4100 220th Street West, Suite 101, Farmington, MN 55024 with 'Arts-In' noted in the memo line of your check. Please make checks payable to Dakota County 4-H.

If you have questions, contact Kris Vatter, kvatter@umn.edu or 651-480-7700.

The Dakota County 4-H Federation supports offering scholarships for enrolled 4-H members in their individual path through 4-H. There are scholarships available for local, regional, state and national programs and events. The guidelines have recently been updated, based on the most recent annual budget approval. Families are encouraged to use this confidential Google form to request event funds at any time. We don’t want cost to be a barrier to youth participation.

Extension development and Minnesota 4-H offer several scholarships for college-bound 4-H youth, as well as a workforce training scholarship for an adult 4-H alumni or volunteer. Over $20,000 is awarded annually through a competitive application process. Minnesota 4-H scholarship online applications are now available. Applications require two letters of recommendation, with one being from an Extension educator. Review each application for specific details on eligibility and application deadlines.

Minnesota 4-H scholarships, grants and awards

Mooove on over to the kitchen with us during June Dairy Month! We will be creating some moo-velous dishes for all to enjoy! Sessions will be virtually held on Tuesdays in June; 5:30-6:30 p.m. via Zoom. Register one time and attend these fun sessions! June 18 - Shake up the Mac and Cheese! June 25 - celebrate the Red, White and Blue with Dairy! For youth in grades K-13. This is a FREE event! The only cost to you is the ingredients! Learn more and register.

Dakota County 4-H Dining Hall and Malt Stand sign-up

1. Click below to go to our invitation page on SignUp Genius:

• 4-H Dining Hall
• 4-H Outside Malt Stand

2. Sign up! Choose your spots and SignUp Genius will send you an automated confirmation and reminders.

Volunteering at the 4-H Dining Hall and Malt Stand at the Dakota County Fair

All 4-H families are expected to participate in the only annual fundraiser for Dakota County 4-H by volunteering for shifts in the Dining Hall in the 4-H Building, or Malt Stand, on the fairgrounds. This includes covering 1 youth shift for each 4-H member and 1 adult shift, per family.

What are the 4-H dining hall and malt stand?

The Dining Hall and Malt Stand are the biggest fundraiser of the year and we need your help to make them a success! The monies raised help support positive youth programming throughout the year. We have reinvested some of these funds in things like new malt machines, program supplies for outreach programming and supporting amazing experiences like overnight camp.

Working in the stands is easy with streamlined menus and food that is fast to assemble and serve. This is a great customer service experience for 4-H'ers as they learn to serve others, take orders, and keep the stands clean. You do not need any food service background.

There are 2 Malt Managers and 2 Dining Hall Managers on duty during the fair. If you aren't sure what to do when you get to the stands, ask the outgoing volunteers what their job was and utilize the managers for help. Due to MN Department of Health guidelines, you must wear close-toed shoes, pull your hair back, and wash your hands when you start your shift and throughout your shift to keep fairgoers safe.

Screened adult volunteers needed as cashiers

If you are signing up as a SCREENED ADULT CASHIER, you will need to complete the volunteer screening process by Aug. 1. Click here for more details on Adult volunteer screening. Please complete the screening process as soon as possible to allow state staff time to process your application. Contact 4-H staff if you have questions.

If your family would like to accept up to $155 in State Event (State Fair, State Dog Show, State Horse Show, State Shoot Invitational) registration fee reimbursement per eligible youth, please read on as this WILL IMPACT YOU.

To be eligible to receive up to $155/youth state event participant, your family needs to work at least one extra shift (over and above the required shifts) in the malt stand or dining hall, per youth, to receive a reimbursement for paid state event fees. By working at least one ADDITIONAL shift (per eligible youth) in the malt stand or dining hall, families can receive a reimbursement for paid state event fees, up to $155. Dakota County 4-H membership dues must be paid to be eligible for state event reimbursement.

See page 14 of the Dakota County 4-H Premium Book for more details on reimbursement requirements.

New for 2024, Dakota County 4-H Cloverbud members will have the opportunity to show in a non-competitive Cloverbud Showmanship Class at the county fair.

Important information to keep in mind when preparing cloverbuds to show:

When Cloverbuds and animals are together at a 4-H program, families choose one of the two acceptable ways to participate.

1. A responsible person (youth 6th grade and older or adult) is in control of the animal with the Cloverbud at their side.

2. The Cloverbud is in control of the animal with the responsible person alongside the Cloverbud to assist or take control when needed or as directed by staff, volunteers, or show managers.

Additional information:

• Cloverbud exhibitors must be enrolled in 4-H Online.

• Cloverbuds do not need to bring their own animal, they can show other 4-H"ers animals.

• Cloverbuds will show in a separate Cloverbud Showmanship class. No winners will be awarded. This is a learning experience only.

• Limit of one animal per species.

• Cloverbud Showmanship class will be the first class in each species show.

• Barn space will be available based on numbers and is not guaranteed.

• Animal check-in will be the same time as all the other species.

• No champions or premiums will be awarded, not auction or state fair eligible.

• What to wear? Follow the suggested clothing guideline listed in the premium book under 4-H Livestock regulations.

• Cloverbud animals are not IDd in 4-H Online.

• Cloverbud animals must meet all Board of Animal (BAH) health guidelines.

• Poultry: Cloverbuds show one bird.

• Beef: Calf must be born after Jan. 1, 2024

• Dairy: Calf must be born after Dec. 1, 2023

• Deadline to register is July 8.

• More details will be emailed to Cloverbud families.

Any questions in the meantime, please reach to Jess Beissel at reed0324@umn.edu

New for 2024:

MN 4-H introduces recognition for youth making a difference in their community and sharing their story through project(s) and exhibit(s).

Judges at local and state showcases will place a recognition sticker on each exhibit where the 4-H’er clearly articulates how their efforts made a positive community impact. Exhibitors will be asked, “Has your project made a positive difference in your community? And if so, how?”

Exhibits and presentations may demonstrate the youth’s community impact efforts through:

• Direct Service: Involves face-to-face interactions with the people, animals, or environment being served - such as distributing meals or cleaning up a park.
• Indirect Service: Involves benefiting a cause or group, but there isn’t direct contact with those that benefit - such as fundraising or knitting blankets.
• Advocacy: Involves researching issues of public interest and then encouraging action or promoting awareness - such as promoting mindfulness practices to a school curriculum committee, collecting water quality data for a community organization.

More info can be found at: z.umn.edu/4HCommunityImpact

Mark your calendars for an evening of fun for members in grades K-13. Bring your pet or cat to Trinity Care Center, 905 Elm St, Farmington, on Monday, July 22 for the Pet and Cat Show! Show starts at 6 p.m. Participants will have the opportunity to answer questions from a judge and share information on their animal’s care and behaviors. Some of the animals we have seen in the past include chickens, bearded dragons, dogs, hamsters, and guinea pigs.

This is our 4th year hosting the event at Trinity Care Center. Residents enjoy this experience and come out to support our members.

Registration will be available in FairEntry this summer. Deadline to register is July 8.

Specific details and requirements will be found in the 2024 Dakota County 4-H Premium Book.

Monday, July 22 - Pet & Cat Show, Trinity Care Center in Farmington

Wednesday, July 24 - Photography, Computer/Robotics, Video, Public Presentation judging

Monday, July 29 - Animal Science night: Livestock interviews, barn clean-up and set-up

Monday, July 29 - Oversized exhibit drop-off in the 4-H Building

Wednesday, July 31 - Clothing (constructed and purchased) and Fashion Revue judging

Saturday, Aug. 3 - General Exhibit judging in the 4-H Building

Sunday, Aug. 18 - 4-H Dog Show Judging

Additional judging and fair related dates will be announced as dates are confirmed.

Minnesota State Fair - August 22-September 2

4-H Livestock Encampment at the MN State Fair - August 21-25

4-H General exhibit/Public Presentation Encampment at the MN State Fair - August 29-31

MN 4-H Shooting Sports Invitational - September 6-8

MN 4-H State Horse Show - September 13-16

MN 4-H State Dog Show - September 21-22

We have a new Instagram account! Please follow us at Dakota.County4H or connect via Facebook at DakotaCounty4H.

If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter, please email Cherie to unsubscribe.

• 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