Due today! Pay member dues by Nov. 1 for reduced rate
Families that enroll their youth in 4-H Online by 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 1 and pay their 4-H annual dues are eligible for a reduced rate of $20/member, with a family cap/max cost of $50. On Nov. 2 dues will return to $25/member with no family cap.
Form and instructions on how to submit fees for dues were mailed to 4-H families last week. Cost should not be a barrier to 4-H participation. Please contact Kris Vatter, kvatter@umn.edu, for assistance.
Re-enroll in 4-H for the 2024-2025 4-H year
Youth enrollment in 4-HOnline is now open for the 2024-25 4-H year! All youth K-13th grade must re-enroll each year to stay active and take advantage of all the opportunities Dakota County4-H and Minnesota 4-H have to offer.
Enrolling in 4-H includes selecting a club and project areas of interest as this information does not carry over from last year. 4-H members only receive email communication for projects you have signed up for, so it is important to re-enroll soon. Selecting a project area doesn't require you to enter an exhibit in that project area at county fair.
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.
4-H club officer training - Nov. 7; register by Nov. 4
Attention Club Officers and Adult Leaders:
All 4-H club officers and adult leaders should plan to attend this training to learn how to run a fun club meeting. 4-H club officer training is scheduled for Thursday, November 7 from 5:45 to 7:30 p.m. at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center, 4100 220th St. W. in Farmington. Pizza and beverages will be provided at 5:45 p.m. and training will begin at 6 p.m.
Participants register in 4-H Online under Events by Nov. 4 so staff can plan food and supplies.
Questions can be directed to Kirsten Pederson, kapeders@umn.edu or Kris Vatter, kvatter@umn.edu.
CFANS invites prospective students to the University of Minnesota - St. Paul; Nov. 4 & Nov. 18
Fun Fact: The University of Minnesota college application fee is waived for enrolled 4-H’ers who apply!
The University of Minnesota Office of Admissions invites prospective students to register for a "Gold Visit Experience" or a "Maroon Visit Experience" to learn more about the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS). The Gold Visit is the most comprehensive experience, and the Maroon Visit is for students who've already been to campus and want to explore a specific part. Upcoming visit dates are Nov. 4 and Nov. 18. Youth can register here.
Dakota County 4-H Federation Meeting - Nov. 11; RSVP for food by Nov. 7
Federation meetings are open to members grade six and higher and adult volunteers. We encourage representation from each club at all Federation meetings.
Agenda items will include annual approval of the 2024-25 Federation Budget, election of an adult advisor to the youth Treasurer, and a presentation from the National Dairy Judging Team. It is important that we reach a minimum quorum of 11 youth and 6 adult volunteers from the membership to pass the budget.
Participants can also join remotely via Zoom: Mtg ID: 916 4682 0852 Passcode: DakFed220
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.
Horse Project Development Committee (PDC) application due Nov. 15
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 by Nov. 1. Applications due Nov. 15.
Questions can be directed to Kris Vatter, kvatter@umn.edu or Kirsten Pederson, kapeders@umn.edu.
Learn photography “Writing with Light” workshop - Nov. 9; deadline today
Do you have a digital camera, but can’t seem to get out of “Auto” mode? Do you wondered how photographers get such great images? Would you like to “make” a picture instead of “take” a picture? This hands-on beginner photography clinic taught by Terri Kenison is for youth grade 5 and up who have not had any instruction in photography and would like to learn more about using a digital camera. Learn about the history of photography, its background and uses, proper exposure (how to use and apply light in your images) and the artistic side of photography as we explore the elements of composition.
This workshop requires access to a camera. BRING your camera to the workshop. Cell phone cameras will NOT be used in this class. Cameras available to borrow for the day of the workshop; request one when registering.
Who: Youth enrolled in grade 5 and older
When: Nov. 9, 9 a.m. – Noon
Where: Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center, 4100 220th St. West in Farmington
Cost: $5; to secure your space in class, mail $5 payment to Dakota County 4-H, 4100 220th St. W., Suite 101, Farmington, MN 55024
Registration: Deadline is Nov. 1. Register in 4-H Online under Events
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, please note it in the registration or contact Kris Vatter, kvatter@umn.edu at least two weeks prior to the program. Late notice may limit our ability to provide requested accommodations.
Contact Kris Vatter, kvatter@umn.edu
Beginning sewing workshop: fleece pillow and corner bookmark - Nov. 9; deadline today
This Needle-Arts workshop is perfect for beginning sewers, especially those interested in learning simple sewing, or just how to use a sewing machine. Participants will learn how to sew straight seams, follow a pattern, and use an iron.
Workshop is Saturday, November 9, 9:00 a.m. - Noon, at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center, 4100 220th St. W., Farmington MN 55024, the cost is $5.
Fabric and supplies will be pre-cut and provided at the class, taught by Mary Lemke.
Bring your own working sewing machine, with gray thread and bobbin and a scissors. A limited number of sewing machines are available at the Extension Office to use at class. Indicate if one is needed, in the registration process.
Register in 4HOnline under EVENTS by November 1. To hold your spot in class, mail class payments to Dakota County 4-H, Attn: Sewing Workshop, 4100 220th St W, Suite 101, Farmington, MN 55024.
Contact Kris Vatter, kvatter@umn.edu, with any questions.
Shooting Sports and Wildlife project open house and kick-off - Nov. 14
All enrolled 4-H’ers grades 3-13 and parent/guardians are invited to attend the first Shooting Sports and Wildlife (SSW) project meeting of the year on Thursday, November 14, 6-8 p.m., at the Dakota County Conservation and Extension Office, 4100 220th Street West in Farmington.
Learn about events, practices, and happening this year in the Shooting Sports and Wildlife project. Youth invited to attend and provide input on this year's activities! There will be goodies and games.
The SSW project is a unique project area. Youth explore firearms safety and the importance of conserving Minnesota's natural resources. Trained and certified 4-H volunteer leaders lead this program in Dakota County. We have some equipment for youth to use, or youth can use their own, after inspection from local coaches.
All grades can be involved in the Wildlife project. There are age requirements on the other disciplines: BB gun and Archery (3rd grade & older); Air rifle and air pistol (4th grade & older), .22 rifle and .22 pistol, Muzzleloading and Shotgun (6th grade & older).
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: Nov. 16, Dec. 7, Jan. 11, 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.
Complete project bowl interest form
It’s that time of year again for project bowl! What is a 4-H project bowl team? In Project Bowl, teams of 3-6 youth members build skills working and thinking together while testing their knowledge. Choose from one of the following areas of interest: dairy, dog, general livestock (beef, swine, sheep & goat), horse, poultry and rabbit.
Please fill out the interest form if you would like to participate in one of the project bowl areas.
Questions? Contact Jess Beissel at reed0324@umn.edu
Tasty Tuesdays: Favorites from the Land of 10,000 Lakes continues Nov. 5
It's time for us to take a food journey through the land of 10,000 lakes! Join us as we experience some of Minnesota's popular recipes that will leave your taste buds wanting to try more! These meals will even satisfy the appetites of Paul Bunyan and Babe! You betcha we will also try some tradition treats for those with a sweet tooth! We won't forget the SPAM either...Uff da! Join us, virtually, from the comfort of your home on Tuesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on the following dates: Nov. 5, 12, 19; December 3. Grades K-13. No deadline to register! Learn more and register.
4-H Explorers in Ag: Global agriculture adventure series starts Nov. 12
Join us as we explore the rich agricultural landscapes of Cambodia, Poland, and Canada—right from home! Each week unlocks a new country, where you’ll discover unique farming practices and how agriculture shapes communities worldwide. Guided by the Minnesota 4-H Agriculture Ambassadors, you’ll learn, engage with guest speakers, and gain a global perspective on food and farming!
This five-week program kicks off with an orientation on Nov. 12 at 7:30 p.m. and will meet weekly, culminating in a celebratory event on Dec. 10. This is a free program with take-home materials for youth in grades 6-8. Sign up now for this unforgettable journey!
4-H Wildlife Habitat Education Program (WHEP)
WHEP is a hands-on environmental education program dedicated to teaching wildlife and fisheries habitat management to youth. It provides participants an opportunity to test their wildlife knowledge in a friendly competition in teams of 3-4 similarly aged individuals, led by a local 4-H volunteer coach. The winning senior WHEP team (14-19 years old) will have the opportunity to attend the annual national WHEP contest, typically held the last full week of July. 4-H WHEP will replace Wildlife Project Bowl.
There will be WHEP learning sessions for coaches and youth at the 4-H Outdoor Education Summit on Nov. 23 at the Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve in East Bethel. Learn more about WHEP.
Harvest time! 4-H seed to showcase workshop series
It's harvest time! Start collecting seeds for your 2025 agronomy projects. Join this 2-part agronomy workshop series Dec. 2 and Dec. 30 to learn how to prepare your seeds like a pro! From selecting the best seeds to creating an award-winning display, we've got everything you need to impress the judges. Open to all youth in grades 3+. Don’t miss this chance to level up your 2025 county fair project! Learn more and register. Register by Nov. 29.
Register for the New Club Leader webinar - Nov. 14
Are you stepping into a role supporting 4-H clubs this year?
Do you need to learn alongside other volunteers and connect with quality resources and tools to support your club?
Join us for the New Club Leader webinar to learn more about the role of a 4-H Club leader, and be equipped with resources and techniques to develop your 4-H club. This 75-minute online training is open to Minnesota 4-H volunteers, potential volunteers, and youth leaders as part of our statewide volunteer development webinar program. While the content is geared toward new club leaders, anyone providing leadership and support to a 4-H members' experience will benefit from the material. Register by completing the online form.
Topics include:
Roles of volunteers and staff
Essential elements of 4-H Clubs
Building a club support team
And many tools and resources to get you started!
The webinar training will be offered on:
Thursday, November 14 at 6:30 p.m.
Need more information? Contact Kris Vatter, kvatter@umn.edu or Volunteer Systems Regional Educator Jeremy Freeman at jeremyf@umn.edu