Friday Forecast 3/1/2024
Dakota County 4-H Weekly Newsletter
Welcome to the Dakota County 4-H Friday Forecast
This weekly newsletter will provide you with the most up-to-date information and happenings in the 4-H program.
Federation Meeting, Chipotle & Community Service - March 11; RSVP by March 6
Join others at the March 11 Dakota County 4-H Federation Meeting to make fleece items to donate to local animal shelters AND share in food from Chipotle.
RSVP by March 6 so staff can plan food.
Meeting is Monday, March 11 at 7 p.m. at the Dakota County Conservation and Extension Center, 4100 220th Street West in Farmington.
Agenda items include a review of the budget and a preview of the upcoming Federation Officer Election (to be held at the May 13th meeting). Youth 6th grade and above and adult volunteers are considered voting members.
All clubs should have representatives in attendance including club leaders and club officers.
Dakota/Washington Overnight Camp Registration opens Wed., March 6
4-H overnight camp registration link will be live on the Dakota County 4-H webpage at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, March 6. Camp fills on a first-come, first serve basis. Payment needed to secure your spot. Payment must be received within one week of registration to confirm campers spot. Space is limited.
Any youth who has completed grades 3–8 by June 2024 is invited to attend a fun-filled overnight camping experience, June 10-12 at Baker Outdoor Learning Center in Maple Plain, MN. Campers will enjoy cabin camping, campfires, challenges, outdoor adventures, crafts, nature experiences, fun, making new friends, and much more!
Cost: $150.00; camp registration fee includes meals and lodging for three days/two nights, programming and supplies, transportation and a camp t-shirt. Payment must be received within one week of registration to secure their spot. Registration closes when camp is full or on May 15, whichever occurs first.
If cost is a concern for your family, please contact Rachel Rezac at reza0027@umn.edu to learn more about camp scholarships.
Camper must be enrolled in 4-H Online and pay membership dues by when registering for camp.
Any questions, contact Rachel at reza0027@umn.edu.
4-H Enrollment
Re-enrollment deadline approaching for full eligibility; enroll by May 15
Each year, 4-H members need to re-enroll in 4-H Online including selecting club and project areas of interest. Club and projects do not carry-over from last year. You will only receive email communication for projects you have signed up for. 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:
- Family contact and demographic information, including club, school and grade.
- 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.
Seeking 4-H Arts-In Director for summer show
Do you have a flair for the dramatic? Are you a secret screenwriter? If yes, the summer Arts-In program needs you!
The Director is hired to lead the ensemble through writing, casting, choreography, music and whatever else needs to be done for a successful show. This is a part-time hourly position and individuals must complete University of Minnesota payroll paperwork, including completing an in-person I-9 (identification verification process) and have a successful completion of a background check prior to June 7, 2024.
Details, dates, and expectations are outlined in the job description. Arts-In Job Description and Application
Contact Kris Vatter at kvatter@umn.edu if you have questions.
Animal Science
Cleary Lake Veterinary Hospital tour - March 18; register by March 4
This workshop is open to youth grade 3 and older is an opportunity to learn about basic horse care. Have you ever de-wormed a horse? Given your equine oral meds or vaccinations? Are you familiar with TPR, body condition or how to put a bandage on? The veterinary staff at Cleary Lake Veterinary Hospital in Prior Lake are going to share basic horse health care.
Workshop is Monday, March 18; 3:50-6 p.m. in Prior Lake. While the staff will be concentrating their instruction on horses, 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.
Cost is $5. All money collected will be donated to the GRG Horse Rescue and Sanctuary. Please register by March 4 in 4-H Online.
Contact Kirsten Pederson at kapeders@umn.edu if you have questions.
Dakota County 4-H Chicken and Pigeon workshop - March 26; register by March 25
Want to learn more about the 4-H poultry project? Not sure where to get birds? Did you know that you can show pigeons for 4-H? Get your questions answered and learn more at the FREE hands-on poultry and pigeon workshop on Tuesday, March 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center in Farmington.
Workshop is open to youth in grade 3 and up and parent/guardians. Participants do not need to be enrolled in the 4-H Poultry project to attend. This is a good opportunity to learn more about the project before fully committing to the project.
Guest presenters, Mike Kutzke and Amy Nicolai will lead the chicken and pigeon workshop where youth will learn about:
Fair classes
Selecting breeds and securing birds
General care
Showmanship
Questions
Registration due Monday, March 25 in 4-H Online. 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.
Spring Livestock PDC meeting followed by state animal science update webinar April 11; RSVP by April 5
It's time to start preparing for summer animal science programming. Join us on Thursday, April 11 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. for a two-part session at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center, 4100 220th St. West in Farmington.
Please RSVP by April 5 for food planning purposes.
Dinner will be served at 6 p.m. with the county Livestock PDC meeting following from 6:15 to 7 p.m. Youth and adult attendees will discuss and plan workshops, guest presenters, and bonus trip applications. A webinar hosted by the state animal science team follows from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
ANY youth (6th grade and up) and volunteers who have an interest in animal science programming should attend.
During the state webinar they'll highlight system-wide policies and processes to strengthen the animal science program, discuss updates connected with livestock species, and offer educational resources.
Any questions contact Jess Beissel at reed0324@umn.edu.
Dog Project Kick-off Event - April 29. Save the date!
New and returning Dog Project families are invited to the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center in Farmington on Monday, April 29 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. for a fun and information packed night.
Join us for prizes, light refreshments, activities, project overview, calendar, and meet and greet with the trainers. An exciting change this year is the addition of Dakota County 4-H Dog Project alumni returning to not only support training in each of the disciplines, but to also provide 1:1 support to achieve the best results from your canine companion.
Livestock judging team interest survey
If you are interested in participating in any of the following judging teams: poultry, rabbit, dairy or general livestock (beef, swine, sheep and goat) this summer, please fill out the Interest Form.
Have you ever wondered what judges are looking for in evaluating your animals during a show? Do you know how to pick out your animals for a show? Have you ever wondered what criteria a judge has to judge the show?
Effectively evaluating breeding and market animals is highly important in the animal industry. Judging is an art developed through patient study and long practice.
Parts of the animal and their locations
Which parts are most important for meat and breeding stock production
Making keen observations
Comparing the animal to the ideal
Weighing the good and bad points of each animal
This program is geared toward youth sixth grade and above however youth in grades 3-5 are welcome to participate!
Survey information will help staff with the organization of judging teams.
Contact Jessica Beissel at reed0324@umn.edu for more information.
Gopher Dairy Camp - June 20-22
University of Minnesota Gopher Dairy Club is excited to announce that the 20th Gopher Dairy Camp will take place June 20-22. Camp is for youth who have completed grades 6 through 9. Registration will open in March. Watch for more details.
LQA&E Training - June 21
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 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.
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.
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.
Events and Workshops
How to register for events and workshops in 4-H Online
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. Please contact Cherie if you have questions.
**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. 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. Keep in mind that 4-H enrollments are not approved after hours or on the weekend.
4-H Cloverbud & Sprout Pizza My Heart workshop - March 16; register by March 8
Who doesn’t love pizza? Join the ambassador team in a yummy, hands-on pizza-themed workshop. Cloverbud (grade K-2) and Sprout (grade 3-5) workshops are fun-filled workshops where youth will meet new friends, learn new skills, participate in engaging activities and create exciting projects! Youth will make a homemade take and bake mini pizza and participate in other hands-on activities. Workshops are fun-filled events led by the Dakota County 4-H Ambassador team. Workshops feature age-appropriate programs focusing on fun, safe, non-competitive activities meant to engage youth and create new friendships.
Workshop is Sat., March 16, 9-11 a.m. at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center in Farmington. Registration due March 8 to allow staff and the ambassador team enough time to secure and prepare workshop supplies.
Registration due Friday, March 8 in 4-H Online. 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 on 4-H Online.
Contact Rachel at reza0027@umn.edu if you have questions regarding the workshop.
Create a Ceramic Pot workshop - March 23; register by March 17
Youth 3rd grade and up are invited to learn how to craft a pot out of clay. Participants will learn hand building techniques and be able to add unique design and decorative elements, as well as choose final colors for their project. Finished item will be ready for firing at the end of the workshop. Fired items will be available for pick-up at a later date at Muddy Waters Studio. Cost is $5/youth.
Workshop is Saturday, March 23; 1-3 p.m. at Muddy Waters Studio in Farmington.
- To secure your spot at this workshop, submit class fee by March 17. Mail the $5 class fee, checks payable to Dakota County 4-H, to: Dakota County 4-H; Attn: Ceramic Pot; 4100 220th Street W, Suite 101, Farmington, MN 55024.
- Participants should expect to get messy, so please dress appropriately.
- Arrive by 12:50 p.m. so class can start on time.
Registration due in 4-H Online by March 17.
Contact Kris Vatter at kvatter@umn.edu with 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:
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.
4-H Engineering Design Challenge (EDC) theme announced! Judging Aug. 12
This year’s EDC theme pushes youth to focus on an issue we face here in Minnesota along with the rest of the world— extreme weather events resulting from a changing climate. The challenge asks teams of youth to create a Rube Goldberg (TM) type machine that prepares and protects against an extreme weather event. This year's Engineering Design Challenge Showcase event will take place Aug. 12 at St. Cloud State University. Contact Kris Vatter at kvatter@umn.edu if you are interested in being on a team and/or coaching a team. Learn more.
Shooting Sports & Wildlife Program Opportunities
Shooting Sports winter indoor practice schedule
New this year, we will be holding winter indoor practice for archery, air rifle and air pistol.
Prior to participating in Shooting Sports practices, youth must be enrolled in 4-H Online and parent/guardian must have signed all firearm consents in 4-H Online. Enrolled families will receive regular communication about upcoming events.
- Air rifle/air pistol indoor practice: March 4, 6, 13, 18, 20, April 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17
5:30-8 p.m. at the Rosemount American Legion, 14590 Burma Ave. West in Rosemount - Archery indoor practice: March 10, April 14; 2:30-4:30 p.m. at BlackHawk Middle School, 1540 Deerwood Drive in Eagan
WHEP meeting schedule
- WHEP Meetings: March 7, April 4, 16; 6-7:30 p.m. at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center, 4100 220th St. West in Farmington
Leadership Opportuniies
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.
Dakota County overnight camp counselor application open! Due April 5
The overnight camp counselor application is now live! Join us at our 4-H Summer Camp at Baker Outdoor Learning Center, June 10-12. Counselors, and staff from both Dakota and Washington Counties provide an overnight camp experience, complete with canoeing, archery, crafts, smores, songs, swimming, and so much more! Any youth who has completed 9th grade through one year past high school is invited to apply to become a 4-H Camp Counselor.
Applications are due April 5. Applicants self-select a virtual interview date on April 17, 23 and 25. The training dates for camp are May 23, 29 and June 7.
4-H Overnight Camp Counselor application - due April 5.
Contact Rachel Rezac at reza0027@umn.edu with questions regarding camp counselor applications.
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.
Regional and Statewide Events
Grow a Monster Melon Mystery; register by March 20
Are you ready to embark on an adventure that will transform your backyard into a vibrant oasis of beauty and wonder? Look no further than the Grow a Monster Melon Challenge! While growing watermelons and melons is already a delightful pursuit, cultivating giant melons takes the experience to an entirely new level of excitement and amazement. Open to youth kindergarten and up. Register by March 20 for a free seed package and planting guide. Space is limited.
Throughout the summer, you'll receive regular email updates filled with valuable tips, engaging content, and videos designed to enhance your watermelon-growing experience. Those that share how their watermelons are growing will receive a mold to continue growing the watermelon for a new experience. You'll receive resources to equip you with the knowledge and inspiration needed to nurture your melon to its fullest potential and learn new ways to grow a watermelon.
The journey doesn't end when your melon reaches its peak in the DIY mold. In fact, it's just the beginning! As the summer draws to a close, you'll have the opportunity to showcase your magnificent melon at your local county fair or participate in our exciting final contest in the fall.
Don't miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to cultivate a garden spectacle unlike any other. Register for the Grow a Monster Melon Challenge by March 20 in 4-H Online and embark on a journey filled with growth, discovery, and endless possibilities.
YELLO to be held at University of Minnesota - Morris campus June 12-15.
The Minnesota 4-H State Ambassadors are excited to announce that the Minnesota 4-H state leadership conference, Youth Exploring Leadership and Learning Opportunities (YELLO), is scheduled for June 12-15 at the University of Minnesota - Morris. Registration open April 1-May 10.
YELLO invites youth in grades 7-13 to explore college and career areas, engage in leadership learning, participate in community activities, and build new connections with peers and adults from throughout the state! The multi-day experience involves keynote speakers, interactive workshops, community service projects, social experiences, and youth-led engagement activities.
The anticipated registration fee is $300 and transportation options are also in the works. Dakota County 4-H Federation supports youth registration costs by paying a portion of the registration fees. See the Dakota County 4-H Scholarship Details for more details.
Join the 4-H Green Superheroes of Sciences!
Calling youth in grades K-3!! Join the Green Superhero of Science and engage in fun weekly experiments that spark curiosity and discovery. Create moon dough (a bio-plastic), explore green chemistry and make a foaming fizzy, engineer materials to build a super soaker, solve a plastic litter mystery and create an art sculpture, and more!
Each youth will receive a kit of materials in the mail before class. Each experiment includes a lesson plan and “How To” recorded video to guide youth in doing the “at home” experiment before a weekly interactive “LIVE” Superheroes gathering. Youth will “show and tell” what they explored, tested, and discovered! Our 4-H Teen Superheros will lead these sharing sessions.
Online sessions will take place on Tuesdays, April 9, 16, 23 and 30 from 6:30 - 7:00 p.m. Our April 30 meeting will be longer, 6:30-7:15 pm.
Cost: The cost of the supply kit is $20. Sign up by, Thursday, March 7 to receive the supply and lesson activity plans in the mail. Scholarships are available by request. Please contact Lauren Backes, backes@umn.edu. Questions can be directed to Regional Educator, Anne Stevenson at steve020@umn.edu.
Sign up for Bowling 101!
Bowling 101 (project bowl that is!) is a non-competitive opportunity for younger, inexperienced members to try Project Bowl. This event will be held virtually with 4-H'ers joining a Zoom meeting and using the Kahoot! App to participate. Sessions will be offered on March 12. Learn more about Bowling 101.
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:
- 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.
4-H Next Level Video Creation series starts March 19
Do you have some basic knowledge of video creation and editing, but want to bring your videos to the next level? Then you need to join this Zoom video class!! Designed for youth in 8th grade & older who already have a baseline knowledge of video creation and editing, this online program will dive deep into creating the videos that you always dreamed you could make! In this class, you will create a video on a theme with the guidance of a professional instructor! Cost is $15.
- Class meets March 19, March 26 and April 2 from 5 to 6 p.m. via Zoom.
- Registration deadline: March 13.
Questions? Email Alicia at aawebb@umn.edu
4-H Rabbit Fun Show in Douglas County - April 28
Are you looking for a rabbit judging experience before the county fair? Do you need to purchase a rabbit for showing before the May 15 deadline? Need your rabbit tattooed or are you in the market for rabbit supplies?
Mark your calendars for Sunday, April 28 and attend the Douglas County 4-H Rabbit Fun Show annual event. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. and judging begins at 11:30 a.m. Cost is $ 3 per rabbit entered.
Rabbits for sale
Rabbit tattooing available
Ribbons and medallions awarded
Food stand on site
Door prizes and silent auction offered
Register day of show at the door.
This show has lots to offer! For more information or questions, contact the Douglas County Extension office at 320-762-3890 or mnext-douglas@umn.edu.
4-H County Fair Updates
Dakota County Fair - August 5-11, 2024
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
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/demonstration Encampment at the MN State Fair - to be determined
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