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Friday Forecast 6/7/2024
Dakota County 4-H Weekly Newsletter
Hot Topics
Congratulations! Minnesota 4-H Key Awards presented
Dakota County 4-H awarded the prestigious Minnesota 4-H Key Award to Hastings High School students Chloe H., Ameila M., and Mattea Q. at a special event on May 28. The 4-H Key Award recognizes youth for contributions to their club and community and encourages youth to be civically engaged and positive change makers. The 4-H Key Award is the highest honor of achievement in 4-H Youth Development, available only to youth who have shown long-term dedication and growth. Their wide variety of experiences make them all shining examples of youth leadership in Minnesota 4-H. Congratulations to these three!
4-H Champion award donors needed
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.
Hit Me With Your Best Shot photo contest participants
Youth from Dakota County participated in the multi-state 4-H photo contest “Hit me with your best shot”. We look forward to seeing those entries locally too! Way to go: Addie H, Eden M, Julian T, Logan Z, Mackenzie M, and Olivia S.
Annual 4-H membership dues are due
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.
4-H crop scouting teams now forming
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.
4-H Online Event Registration 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. 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.
Camp Opportunities
Dakota County 4-H Day Camp - June 25; register by June 20
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 20
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.
Animal Science
LQA&E training - June 21; register by June 14
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.
LQA&E training is:
- Designed to enhance the educational experience of 4-H animal science projects.
- REQUIRED for youth grade 6 and up, exhibiting beef, dairy, goat, llama, poultry, rabbit, sheep and swine at the MN State Fair.
- Needs to be complete by July 26 to be eligible to accept a MN 4-H state fair livestock trip, if given the opportunity.
- 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.
4-H Sheep workshop - June 26; register by June 21
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.
Dog Project
4-H Dog training sessions continue on Monday nights; see schedule for full details
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.
Before attending any dog training:
● All dog vaccinations must be up-to-date
● $40 per/youth - $60 per/family max
● Project fee must be paid prior to attending class, however, please do not let cost be a barrier to participation. Scholarships are available. Contact Kirsten for more information.
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!
Horse Project
Canterbury Park Tour: DATE CHANGE
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.
Horseless Horse summer series continues on June 18
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.
Dakota County 4-H Horse project open rides & fun show dates
Mark your calendars for these dates and times:
Tuesday, June 18, 5:30 - 8 p.m. Ride starts promptly at 6 p.m.
Tuesday, June 25: 5:30 - 8 p.m.
Tuesday, July 9: 5:30 - 8 p.m.
Fun Show: Thursday, July 11, 5:30 - 9 p.m.
Where: Dakota County Fairgrounds Horse arena, 4008 220th Street West in Farmington
The schedule is set up so youth can participate in two clinics per evening, if they choose. Each session costs $5; no charge for Horseless Horse participants. Registration and topics will be announced May 31. For more information contact Kris Vatter, kvatter@umn.edu.
Arts-In
Arts-In participant applications due June 14
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.
Auditions: Evening of July 10.
Encampment: July 15-18. Participant fees due June 14.
Register: Register to participate in Arts-In in 4-H Online by June 14.
Cost: $50 to participate in the program. Send payment by June 14 registration deadline. 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 'Arts-In' noted in the memo line of your check.
If you have questions, contact Kris Vatter, kvatter@umn.edu or 651-480-7700.
Shooting Sports & Wildlife Program Opportunities
Shooting Sports & Wildlife practice dates
Outdoor practice on Thursday nights, 6-8 p.m. at the Dakota County Gun Club, 17501 Station Trail, Rosemount, for archery, BB, air rifle, 22LR, and black powder. Next practice is June 13.
Shotgun practice: Saturday, June 8, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Hampton Sportsman’s Club, 23300 Hampton Blvd, Hampton. Shotgun clarification: Punch cards are used for shotgun ammo at practice. Two punches per box of 25 shells.
Please use the Spond app to let us know if you will be at practice, this way we can have the right equipment and coaches available for youth. Spond group link
To participate in the 4-H SS&W Program, the following requirements must be met:
- Youth must be enrolled in 4-H Online prior to participating in any 4-H program (e.g. meeting, project training, activity, event).
A Minnesota 4-H Certified SS&W leader must ensure that all members have the forms signed before participation.
Parent/Guardian must sign the Parental Consent to Use or Handle Firearms and Air Guns form for all minor children (age 17 and under.) This form indicates the parent/guardian approval for their child to use the specified equipment and ammunition throughout the program year while involved in the Minnesota 4-H SS&W program. This form is required by state statute.
Program participation of a 4-H member in a specific discipline is subject to approval of the Minnesota 4-H SS&W leader and may be limited based on the member’s ability to follow instructions and safety rules.
Wildlife Meeting / State Shoot Information / Annual t-shirt info meeting - June 10
June 10, 6-8 p.m., at the Dakota County Conservation and Extension Conservation Center, 4100 220th Street West in Farmington. The group will talk about Wildlife meetings in the summer, State Shoot details, and annual t-shirt information.
College and Needs Based Scholarship Information
Federation provides scholarships
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.
Multiple 2024 Minnesota 4-H college scholarships available
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.
Regional and Statewide Events
Tasty Tuesdays: Delicious Dairy Days
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 11 - Tango with Fruit Salsa Yogurt Parfaits! 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.
MN 4-H Livestock Judging Camp - June 17-19; register by June 7
Do you want to enhance your livestock evaluation and selection skills? Do you want to become better with oral reasons? If you answered yes to either of these questions, then the Minnesota 4-H Livestock Judging Camp is for you! Camp is open to youth who are completing grades 6-12.
Presented by the University of Minnesota Livestock Judging Team and Coach Kyle Rozeboom, this camp will teach you the fundamentals of livestock judging and evaluation, provide instruction with oral reasons, and help you become more confident in livestock judging.
Camp is June 17-19 at the University of Minnesota St. Paul Campus.
Cost is $150; registration due June 7 in 4-H Online, under Events. Additional information, including daily schedule, housing, meals and driving instruction, will be emailed to registered participants.
4-H County Fair Updates
4-H Cloverbud showmanship classes at the 2024 county fair
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.
A responsible person (youth 6th grade and older or adult) is in control of the animal with the Cloverbud at their side.
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
Community Impact exhibits to be recognized at 2024 county and state showcase events
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
Dakota County 4-H Pet and Cat Show: Monday, July 22
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.
Dakota County Fair - August 5-11, 2024
4-H judging dates
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.
4-H State Showcase Event Dates
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
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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