Friday Forecast 7/5/2024

Registration for ALL 4-H exhibits/animals/activities for the county fair is done in FairEntry.com. 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.

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. Your grade is the grade you complete June 2024.

Cloverbuds also need to register in FairEntry.com for all classes they plan to exhibit in at the county fair by July 8. See pages 45-47 for a full list of cloverbud opportunities at the county fair including livestock classes.

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.

Bookmark this page for all things 4-H at the Fair including the premium book, schedules, forms, links to sign up for judging time slots, exhibit guidelines and more.

Photography, Video/Filmmaking, Computer and Public Presentation (demonstrations and presentations and speeches) judging takes place on Wednesday, July 24 at the Dakota County Conservation and Extension Center, 4100 220th Street West in Farmington.

Photography and Public Presentations (demonstrations, presentations and speeches) judging: 1:30-7 p.m.

Video/Filmmaking and Computer judging: 3-7 p.m.

After you have submitted your exhibits in FairEntry (deadline is July 8) sign up for exhibit judging time slots in Signup Genius no later than Friday, July 19. For photography, 4-H'ers may enter two exhibits in each time slot. If you have more than two exhibits you will have to sign up for a second time slot.

Questions can be directed to Kris Vatter, kvatter@umn.edu, 507-210-7730.

The next Dakota County 4-H Federation meeting will be Monday, July 8 at 7 p.m. Meetings are hybrid, both in person at the Dakota County Conservation and Extension Office, 4100 220th St W, Farmington and via Zoom.

Come for an ice cream bar and hear from youth who have recently traveled on national 4-H trips and a preview of all things FAIR!

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.

4-H has a variety of volunteer opportunities available including chaperoning various 4-H events, working in the food and malt stands, helping with workshops, and more.

If you are interested in chaperoning at the state fair encampments, volunteer screening must be completed by August 1 to be considered as a state fair chaperone.

Complete the 4-H volunteer screening process so you can make an impact on our youth.

Contact 4-H staff if you have questions.

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.

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.

The date for the Animal Science (beef, dairy, goat, horse, poultry, rabbit, sheep and swine) PDC county fair planning meeting has been set for Tuesday, July 16 beginning at 6 p.m. with supper at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center in Farmington. All adult volunteers and youth who have completed the 6th grade are encouraged to attend.

Please RSVP for food planning purposes by July 12.

This is a very important meeting for the above species. We will be sharing fair entry numbers and discussing any County Fair updates. Each species committee will be able break into groups to discuss fair planning.

IMPORTANT REMINDER: Be sure to send back or bring your completed fair volunteer/helper form that you received at the April meeting.

We are looking for 4-H members and adult volunteers who share a common passion for 4-H livestock education including all of the good things that happen in the fair setting. On this night we will discuss the many details and assign tasks that need to happen to help make County Fair livestock shows run smoothly. If this fits you, please plan to attend. This group will be convened again in the fall to evaluate the 2024 County Fair and begin planning educational opportunities for 4-Hers.

4-H Dairy Showmanship and Fitting Clinic on Thursday, July 18, 6-8 p.m. at the Dakota County Fairgrounds, 4008 220th St. West in Farmington, by the beef barn wash rack and southwest corner grass parking lot.

Workshop is free to all 4-H members, grades K-13. **Please note: An adult or guardian must accompany their K-2 youth at the workshop.

Please join us for a Dairy showmanship and fitting clinic featuring Chandler and Rachel Kurth. Chandler and Rachel live in New Germany, MN, and have presented fitting and showmanship clinics together across the Midwest. Alongside Chandler’s family at KurthHaven Farms, they breed, raise, and show Registered Holsteins at local, state, and national levels. Rachel and Chandler have worked for various show herds across the country, Chandler as a fitter and Rachel showing and caring for the show strings. They both attended the University of Minnesota and studied Animal Science and were members of 4-H and the Junior Holstein Association in their youth. Off the farm, Chandler works as a Dairy Specialist for Vita Plus and Rachel is a Key Account Manager for Milc Group. This will be hands-on and interactive with fun prizes and giveaways!

Registration in 4-H Online is required and is due Friday, July 12. The 4-H online event registration guide will walk you through how to register.

Contact Jess Beissel at reed0324@umn.edu if you have questions.

What is Rabbit Agility? Rabbit Agility is like dog agility where animals maneuver through a course of equipment: over, under, around and through in a timed event/race. Rabbit Agility is fun and exciting for the animals, handlers and spectators and is a great way for 4-H’ers to spend a little extra time with their rabbits and learn some fun training tools. Rabbit agility is for 4-H members in grade 3 and older.

Upcoming practices: July 8, 15 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Rabbit Barn on the Dakota County Fairgrounds in Farmington.

4-H members must have attended at least four Dakota County 4-H sponsored rabbit agility practices during the summer to participate in the county fair rabbit agility contest.

Complete the participation form and bring with to your first practice.

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.

Dakota County 4-H Dog Show is Sunday, August 18. Be sure to register in FairEntry.com by the July 8 fair registration deadline.

Review the Dakota County 4-H Dog Project Handbook to learn more.

4-H horse clinics are a great way to learn new skills and to get your horse used to the horse arena before the fair. The schedule is set up so youth will be able to participate in both clinics in one evening.

The Dakota County horse project is hosting the annual Fun Show for all horse, horseless horse, and new this year, Cloverbud horse members! The event will be held on Thursday, July 11, 5:30 - 9 p.m. at the Dakota County Fairgrounds arena, 4008 220th St. West in Farmington. The judge for the evening is 4-H alumn Lainey Dunn. Review the Show bill for a list of classes offered.

Sign-up to participate by June 26. Cost is $5 per horse/rider combination, paid at registration.

Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. near the announcer’s stand. Show begins promptly at 6 p.m. with Cloverbud showmanship.

Bring: Participants must bring their fees, helmet, and proof of negative coggins test to receive the registration materials. Class registration will be done at this time.

Riders must wear long pants, shirt with collar or t-shirt, boots, and helmet.

The horse arena is located at the southwest corner of the fairgrounds off of 2nd Street. There is plenty of space for truck and trailer parking. Please bring your own water, chairs, snacks, etc.

In case of inclement weather, staff will post updates on the Dakota County 4-H Facebook and Instagram (Dakota.county4h) pages. We will not reschedule.

If you, or a 4-H participant needs financial assistance, disability-related or other accommodations to participate in this program or have questions about the physical accessibility of the event location, please contact Kris Vatter, kvatter@umn.edu, 651-480-7758 at registration or at least two weeks prior to the program or event. Late notice may limit our ability to provide requested accommodations.

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: *July 9, 23, 30; 7-8 p.m.

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

Register: Register in 4-H Online 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, July 9 is Sunday, July 7.

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.

4-H is partnering with the Minnesota Woodworkers Guild on their fall expo, and you are invited to save the date and attend this family-friendly event at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds! The day includes kid's workshops, demonstrations, prizes, and over 70 local and national woodworking retailers, tool manufacturers, lumber sellers, schools, organizations, and makers! 4-H youth and adults are needed as volunteers to assist with the maker projects. This event is free and open to the public. The Woodworkers Expo will be held on Saturday, Oct. 12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Eco Experience Building on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Indicate your interest in volunteering at this event and learn more on the event website.

4-H youth and adults interested in woodworking are invited to become members of the Minnesota Woodworkers Guild—youth under age 22 will receive free membership! Benefits include access to classes and information, deals and discounts, contests and expertise! 4-H is partnering with the Minnesota Woodworkers Guild to support woodworking project learning opportunities! Learn more about membership.

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

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.

4-H staff love oversized exhibits! Fairgoers love oversized exhibits! The 4-H building looks great with oversized exhibits! However, oversized exhibits take a little planning when staging the 4-H Building.

To make this easier for staff when working on the layout of the 4-H Building, staff need to know when there will be an oversized exhibit. Please complete the Oversized Exhibit Form by July 8 to aid staff in planning the layout of the 4-H Building.

An oversized exhibit is any exhibit that takes up more than 20 square feet, ie. anything larger than a washing machine. If your exhibit exceeds this space limitation, complete the oversized exhibit form to give staff a heads-up.

Families are responsible for bringing and displaying oversized exhibits in the 4-H Building on the fairgrounds on Monday, July 29 from 4 to 8 p.m. This will allow you easy access to the 4-H Building when displaying your large exhibit without other exhibits and people in the way.

Dakota County 4-H members exhibiting in the Clothing and Textiles project should review the clothing judging letter for more information on judging. The clothing judging letter includes a schedule and other need-to-know information. Review the schedule to be sure you are on-time for your judging.

Clothing exhibit (constructed, purchased, and upcycled) and Fashion Revue judging for all members, including Cloverbuds is Wednesday, July 31 at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center in Farmington.

Cloverbud members exhibiting clothing items are also judged on July 31. Read the clothing judging letter to learn more and for a full schedule of the day.

Please contact Kris Vatter at kvatter@umn.edu or 651-480-7758 if you have questions.

For 4-H'ers, local and state showcase events (like the Minnesota State Fair) are not just fun events. They provide youth opportunities to exhibit the knowledge and skills they've gained throughout the year– and to continue their learning.

The MN 4-H State Photography Committee has put together many resources for 4-H members to use to enhance their learning including information on how to prepare your photo exhibit for judging.

MN 4-H Photography resources

Dakota County 4-H photography judging is Wednesday, July 24; 1:30-7 p.m. at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center in Farmington. 4-H members that register to exhibit in the photography area will be sent an email to sign-up for a judging time slot on July 24.

If a 4-H member is unable to participate in the conference judging process by himself/herself due to a disability or injury, the 4-H member and/or the member’s immediate family must request permission for a conference judging assistant to be with the 4-H member during the conference judging of the member’s general exhibits. Arrangements and approval for a conference judging assistant must be made with 4-H staff prior to the beginning of the judging process. For more information, review 4-H Competitive Events: Judging Experiences for Youth with Disabilities or Injuries.

If you have a youth with special needs or disabilities, please complete the 4-H Judging Accommodations Request form and return it to the Dakota County Extension Office no later than July 8.

Please contact 4-H staff at kvatter@umn.edu for more information.

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.

Cloverbuds need to register in FairEntry.com for all classes they plan to exhibit in at the county fair by July 8. See pages 45-47 for a full list of cloverbud opportunities at the county fair including livestock classes.

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