Winter weather cancellation guide 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.
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.
4-H Horse & Horseless Horse Boot Camp - Jan. 22
4-H Horse & Horseless Horse Boot Camp is a fun event for new and returning members to learn about the Horse Project, the Horseless Horse Project and related static project areas. There will be snacks, prizes, and tables providing information about leasing, Horseless Horse, riding, and more.
This open house style event is Monday, Jan. 22, 6-7:30 p.m. at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center in Farmington. There will be a question-and-answer session at 7 p.m.
No registration required, stop in anytime that works for you to learn more about what the Dakota County 4-H Horse and Horseless Horse projects are all about.
Volunteer opportunity: staff are looking for volunteers to help facilitate and promote this event. Please contact Kris at kvatter@umn.edu or Kirsten at kapeders@umnn.edu if you are able to assist.
Market beef animal ID deadline - Feb. 15; order 4-H ear tags by Jan. 26
All 4-H market animals must be tagged with an official MN 4-H ear tag. If you plan on exhibiting market beef at the 2024 Dakota County Fair you need to request official 4-H ear tags from the Extension Office by Jan. 26. A market beef animal is considered beef steer, market heifer and dairy steer born between Jan.1-Aug. 31, 2023.
Requested MN 4-H ear tags by completing the Market Beef Ear Tag Order Form. 4-H staff will contact you by email to make arrangements for tag pick up.
Review the 4-H Beef Information Sheet and Minnesota 4-H AnSci Updates for 2024 guide for important updates regarding the MN 4-H Beef project. These documents include changes, information for identification, classes, beef project rules, State Fair participation and much more.
If you have questions about the 4-H beef project, contact Jessica at reed0324@umn.edu.
LQA&E Training - save the date
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 overnight leadership workshops - BLU & TEEL; register by Jan. 19
Two statewide leadership workshops are being offered in February. Building Leadership and Understanding (BLU) is a youth-led workshop for youth in grades 6-9 that strengthens leadership, communication, and relationship skills. Teens Engaged in Emerging Leadership (TEEL) is for youth in grades 10+ who want to boost their leadership skills. Becoming better leaders all while having a great time. This year’s theme is "3, 2, 1, Blast off into Leadership!" Youth will learn about communication skills and the intake of information through engaging activities and discussions.
BLU & TEEL will be hosted in three different locations and all are overnight experiences:
Feb. 3-4-BLU & TEEL at Castaway Club, Detroit Lakes
Feb. 10-11-BLU & TEEL at Camp Omega, Waterville
Feb. 17-18-BLU & TEEL at Camp Friendship, Annandale
Transportation available from Farmington for Waterville and Annandale events. Sign up ASAP to secure your transportation spot as space is limited.
Cost is $100. Dakota County 4-H supports youth attendance by offering 50% reimbursement of registration cost, making the final cost to participants $50. Youth who request this event scholarship are expected to work one additional malt or food stand shift, above and beyond their required shift at the 2024 fair. Registration deadline is Jan. 19.
Beginning crochet workshop - Feb. 3; register by Jan. 26
A beginning crochet workshop for youth grade 6 and older will be held Saturday, Feb. 3, 9 a.m.–Noon at the Dakota Extension and Conservation Center, 4100 220th Street West in Farmington. Registration and yarn selection begins at 8:50 a.m. The cost is $5.
Youth will be taught basic crochet stitches and how to read a pattern. Participants will be provided with one hook and skein of yarn to practice on and take home. With one-on-one instruction, by the end of the session, participants will be able to see their progress!
Registration due Jan. 26 in 4-H Online by the deadline. 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 Kris Vatter, kvatter@umn.edu, if you have questions.
4-H Quilted Hot Air Balloon Sewing workshop - Feb. 17; register by Feb. 9
Participants will sew a small quilt top featuring a tri-colored hot air balloon. This intermediate workshop is open to youth grade 5 and older that have sewn before. Helpers will be needed for anyone who cannot work on this project independently. Instructor is Mary Lemke. A limited number of sewing machines are available to borrow if needed. Bring your working sewing machine, with neutral thread and bobbins ready to go. A part two session may be added to this workshop if participants need additional time to complete their project. Space is limited. Fabric choice selected during registration.
Workshop is Saturday, Feb. 17, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center in Farmington. Cost is $5 and includes a pre-cut fabric kit.
Registration due Feb. 9 in 4-H Online by the deadline. 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.
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:
Feb. 10; registration deadline Feb. 2
March 16; registration deadline March 8
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.
Southwest MN 4-H Wildlife Day - Feb. 10; register by Jan. 27
Are you interested in the project areas of wildlife, shooting sports, and/or outdoor adventures? If so, you are invited to attend this wildlife and outdoors project learning event. Join our experts and us as we dive into bugs below zero, falconry, jerky making, a wing bee, owl pellets, snowshoeing, outdoor survival and learn more about the Wildlife Habitat Education Program (WHEP). This event will qualify for five (5) wildlife hours for those earning them to compete in the Minnesota 4-H State Shoot Invitational held annually in September.
Southwest MN 4-H Wildlife Day 2024 will be held on Saturday, Feb. 10, 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. in Redwood Falls Public Schools. Cost is $25, which includes all supplies and offsets cost of facilities. SW 4-H Wildlife Event 2024 is open to all interested youth in grades K and up. Youth grades Kindergarten - 2nd grade must be accompanied by an adult helper. Invite a friend and join us for this fun day of wildlife learning! Register by Jan. 27 in 4-HOnline to attend this program.
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.
4-H Animal Discovery: Dairy cattle and goat - Feb. 5; register by Jan. 29
Youth in grades 3 and up are invited to join 4-H Animal Discovery, an exploratory learning series highlighting two animal species - dairy cattle and goat (meat and dairy). In this five-session virtual series, youth can expect fun, interactive lessons, at-home challenges and group reflection supported by 4-H members, volunteers and staff. This virtual series will kick off on Feb. 5 and will continue every other week on Mondays from 7 to 8 p.m. through March 25. Live virtual sessions will be followed by at-home learning activities that are easy and fun to complete. Your registration includes participation in all five sessions. Zoom session links will be provided once registration is completed. Cost is free.
Registration due Jan. 29 in 4-H Online by the deadline. The 4-H Online event registration guide will walk you through how to register.
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:
- January - Beef; 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.
Central Minnesota 4-H judges training - Feb. 3; register by Jan. 26
4-H is searching for adults in the community to serve as judges at county fairs this summer. Adults in these roles conduct conference judging with youth in K-12th grade in a variety of 4-H project areas. This judging experience is the culmination of their project learning experience and is an opportunity for them to showcase their knowledge as well as their completed exhibit.
Judges make county fairs and other competitive events possible. To be a judge, you don't need to be a content expert, but you do need to know how to evaluate the learning that a 4-H'er has done. We will train you to do that!
The training for new judges will be on Saturday, Feb. 3 at the Stearns County Service Center in Waite Park from 9:30 a.m. to noon. To register for the training, visit z.umn.edu/2024JudgesTraining by Jan. 26. This training is not for livestock evaluation.
This event is sponsored and hosted by Meeker, Sherburne, Stearns, and Wright County 4-H programs.
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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