Office closed Nov. 28 & 29
The Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center will be closed Nov. 28 & 29. To ensure staff are available to assist you, it is best to contact staff before coming to the office. Staff contact information listed below. The secure after-hours drop box between the front doors is also an option if you need to drop off something for staff.
Wishing you a happy and safe holiday season.
4-H members must re-enroll in 4-H every year
To ensure you don't miss any important 4-H communication, re-enroll in 4-H today to take advantage of all the opportunities Dakota County 4-H and Minnesota 4-H have to offer. Projects from last year do not carry over to the new 4-H year so you will not receive project specific communication unless you re-enroll.
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.
Shop Dakota County 4-H clothing
4-H branded clothing items available for your holiday shopping needs! You may have seen them at the Dakota County Fair or displayed at the Extension Office. A variety of styles and sizes available, but get an order in quickly, as when they're gone, they're gone! If you don’t see the size on the order form, for that particular item, we don’t have it. Once your order is received, we will confirm that we have what you want, and let you know the total. Arrangements for pick-up of items will be made after payment is received. Dakota County 4-H clothing order form
Clothing items available and prices:
- Youth & Adult short sleeve tee: $12
- Youth crew-neck sweatshirt: $16
- Adult crew-neck sweatshirt: $20
- Adult Hoodie: $25
- Adult gray quarter zip: $25
Questions? Contact Kris Vatter, kvatter@umn.edu.
Agriculture Education Leader application due Nov. 22
Are you interested in agriculture and/or animal science? Youth who are in 6th grade and up are invited to become part of the Dakota County Agriculture Education Leaders (Ag Ed Leaders) group this year. This group of youth meet on a monthly basis. Some months include tours of local agriculture related businesses while other months involve planning for the upcoming year. Effort is made in planning meetings around youth schedules which means they land on different days of the week and may be in person or virtual. Youth voice helps to determine the group activities. Besides career exploration, other possible opportunities may include educating community members and peers, getting involved at county fairs, participating in after school programming, and more. Sign up to be part of the program.
Questions? Contact Jess Beissel at 651-210-0762 or email reed0324@umn.edu.
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.
Apply today to be part of the Horse Project Development Committee (PDC)
Now is your chance to make a difference in the Horse and Horseless Horse projects. 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 to apply.
Questions can be directed to Kris Vatter, kvatter@umn.edu or Kirsten Pederson, kapeders@umn.edu.
Grade K-5: "Make and Take" workshop - Dec. 7; must register by Nov. 29
Sign up to join the fun on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Kaposia Library in South Saint Paul for this in-person workshop. Please note the change in time and location. Youth will make winter-themed crafts to give away and participate in other hands-on activities. The Cloverbud and Sprouts 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.
Participants must be enrolled in Kindergarten and at least 5 years of age as of Sept. 1 of the current year to enroll as a Cloverbud. Dakota County 4-H members are welcome to bring non-4-H friends (grade K-5) to workshops. Non-4-H friends/guests must pre-register. All participants will register for the workshop in 4-H Online. Registration due Fri., Nov. 29. The 4-H Online event registration guide will walk you through how to register. Contact Cherie if you have questions. 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.
Additional workshops: Jan. 11 (Hastings), Feb. 8, March 8, April 5, May 3
Questions regarding the workshop can be directed to Rachel Rezac at 651-480-7754 or reza0027@umn.edu.
Holiday Craft Workshop - Dec. 14; register by Dec. 6
Youth 3rd grade and up are invited to attend a fun craft workshop where they will be able to make a variety of handmade items for their loved ones this holiday season. Youth will leave this session with 4-6 gifts wrapped and ready to gift to family members. There will be no peeking allowed by the adults dropping off the participants! Pre-registration required by Dec. 6; space is limited to 20 participants.
Workshop is Saturday, December 14, 9 a.m. - Noon, at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center, 4100 220th St. W. in Farmington.
Cost is $10. Send payment by Dec. 6 to secure your spot in class. Mail payments to Dakota County 4-H, Attn: Holiday Craft Workshop, 4100 220th St W, Suite 101, Farmington, MN 55024.
Register in 4-HOnline under EVENTS. 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.
If an accommodation is needed in order to be successful at this 4-H program, please contact your local Extension staff. Requests should be made as far in advance as reasonably possible. Please know that we will do our best to provide all requested accommodations.
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: 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.
Rabbit project bowl practice - Dec. 5
It's not too late to join the rabbit project bowl team. The next practice is Dec. 5. 6-7 p.m. at the Dakota County Extension & Conservation Center, 4100 220th St. West in Farmington. Registration not required. Just show up to learn more about the project bowl! Please enroll in 4-H Online before attending. Upcoming rabbit project bowl practice dates: Dec. 19, Jan. 9, 16, 23, 30
Questions? Contact Jess Beissel at reed0324@umn.edu
Seed to showcase: preparing your 4-H agronomy project for the county fair
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.
Service opportunity at Dakota City Heritage Village
Dakota City Heritage Village invites youth and adult volunteers to consider joining them for a special holiday event called "Christmas in the Village" to be held Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 7, 8, 14, & 15 from 3- 8 pm. Some have joined in decorating buildings, serving ice cream in the Drug Store or wearing a costume and acting as a shopkeeper in the General Store/Gift Shop or school teacher in the school. The volunteer shifts are short at 2 hours, 15 minutes or 2 hours, 45 minutes. Most of the youth volunteers sign up with a friend. They can choose to wear costumes together or just a white shirt with dark pants. Youth under the age of 15 should be accompanied by an adult. Sign-up to volunteer.
If there is a 4-H club that likes to sing together and has a piano player or organist to accompany, the church may be a good fit for an hour long Christmas Carol Sing along. There is a Carol Songbook that visitors pick up and then a group leads everyone in singing.
If you have questions, please call Kris Akin at 651-402-2574 cell or at the Village office at 651-460-8050.