Friday Forecast - 4/22/22
Dakota County 4-H Weekly Newsletter- April 22, 2022
Welcome to the Dakota County 4-H Friday Forecast
Please sign the card wishing Anja good luck in her new position.
You can share photos, words or a video. https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/AOz5gh7L
Enroll in Dakota County 4-H before participating in 4-H activities
Youth are required to re-enroll each year in 4-H Online 2.0. For liability purposes, 4-H’ers need to have a completed enrollment on file to participate in club, county and regional/state events. Enrollment support can be found here.
Families should submit the Family Member Dues Payment Form 2021-2022 prior to participating in 4-H events. Contact Cherie at frand004@umn.edu if you have questions. 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.
How to register in 4-H Online for 4-H events/workshops
Registration for 4-H workshops and events will take place 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/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. Please contact Cherie if you have questions.
Dog Project Events
Dog Project Orientation & Training kick-off meeting:
Join us on Monday, April 25 at 7 p.m. virtually for our dog project orientation meeting. Meet the trainers, learn about the program and get your questions answered. Make a list of all your questions about dog training and the trainers will be happy to answer them! If you need help getting on the meeting or questions leading up to the meeting contact Anja at akoester@umn.edu. Dog Project Kick-off meeting link
Dog Training Class start May 2
In-person dog training classes begin Monday, May 2 at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center, 4100 220th St. West in Farmington. See the Dog Training schedule for specific times and dates for each discipline.
Complete the Dog Training Registration form and submit with payment before attending training class; but no later than May 16. Registration required before attending training.
Before attending any dog training classes, all dog vaccinations must be up-to-date.
MN 4-H Dog Project ID form is used to identify your 4-H dog project animals and must be completed and uploaded in 4-H Online by the May 16 animal science ID deadline. This form requires a vet signature by May 16; schedule your vet appointment today!
MN 4-H 2022 Dog Information Sheet
Animal Science Identification Deadline - May 16; pre-order your MN 4-H Ear Tags by April 18
ID information MUST be entered in 4-H Online no later than 11:59 p.m. on Monday, May 16. Please do not wait until the last minute to ID animals in case you have questions or un into issues. This is a firm deadline and has consequences if missed.
Review the 4-H Animal Science ID article on the Dakota County 4-H website for complete details and an explanation of identification requirements for each species.
Complete the Tag Request Form to order tags and reserve an ear tagger. Tags and tagger will be distributed from the Dakota County Extension office in Farmington. Once your tags are ready you will be sent an email to schedule tag pick-up.
Tag Request Order Form - deadline to order tags is April 18
**ALL families should complete the Tag Request Form even If you are not showing any livestock to indicate that you are not ordering 4-H ear tags.
Animal ID'ing in 4-H Online step-by-step guide
2022 Minnesota 4-H Animal Science identification requirements
NO Sheep and Goat Weigh In for 2022; families self ID and weigh animals by May 16
In 2022 there will not be a central weigh in for sheep and goat. ALL market animals must be tagged (identified) with a MN 4-H ear tag by 4-H families before the May 16 deadline. Having a beginning weight is optional for families. Families who would like to participate in the rate of gain classes at the county fair, must weigh their own animals in addition to tagging their own animals. To participate in the rate of gain classes at the county fair, youth will have to register for the rate of gain class in FairEntry by the county fair registration deadline.
**ALL families should complete the Tag Request Form by April 18, even if they are not ordering 4-H ear tags. Tags must be pre-ordered by April 18 and cost $2 per tag.
Sherburn County ATV Safety Training open to 4-H'ers grade 4 and up; April 30
Saturday, April 30, 2022. 8:00 am – 1:30 pm
Sherburne County Government Center
13880 Business Center Drive NW, Elk River 55330
Must be enrolled in the current 4-H Year.
Participants must Complete Online Safety Training Course prior to the event: ATVcourse.com ($24.95) go to: www.atvcourse.com/usa/minnesota/
*Students must print their ATV Safety Voucher after completing the Online Safety Training Course.*See the April 2022 ATV training article on the Sherburn County 4-H page for additional requirements and full details.
Questions: Contact Michael Bond at Bond.crna@gmail.com or 763-691-3454
Learn about Shooting Sports & Wildlife at Q&A Info Session - April 25
Are you new to the Shooting Sports & Wildlife (SS&W) program? Have you signed up for the SS&W project area in prior years but haven’t attended any SS&W activities? If so, now is the time to learn more and get involved.
Get your questions answered at the upcoming informational sessions on Monday, April 25, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center in Farmington. Drop in any time during these informal sessions and stay as long as you like. Some of the SS&W coaches will be there to answer any questions you might have about the program. We will also have some activities for the kids to check out. Drop in any time during the session and stay as long as you like.
Current SS&W youth can also come to either of these sessions and get wildlife hours by helping with the activities.
RANGE START DATES:
The SS&W program has activities ranging from hikes and picnics (even in the winter) to learning how to safely handle archery, air rifles and pistols, shotguns, .22 rifles and muzzleloading firearms. The SS&W program is for youth grade 3 and older.
Range update: The expected start date for trap (shotgun) practice at Hampton is Saturday, May 14. Like last year, we will practice trap on Saturdays until mid-June, then switch to Wednesday evenings. We expect to start our practices for the other disciplines at Dakota County Gun Club on Thursday, May 19. Watch your email for more details in the next couple weeks.
For more information on SS&W contact Peter Vogel at vogel4h@gmail.com or Abby Wagner at torg0016@umn.edu.
Spring Horse Fling hosted by McLeod County - April 24; open to all!
Event is Saturday, April 24 from 12:30 to 5 p.m. at the McLeod County Fairgrounds. Registration required by April 17 in 4-H Online.
See the schedule for a full list of events for he day.
Static Project Exploration at May Federation; Exhibit samples and Volunteers Needed!
Come learn about the many new and returning static project areas at the May Federation meeting on Monday, May 9 at 7 p.m. at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center in Farmington. What is the difference between crafts and fine arts? What does the new plastic sculpture project entail? This is a perfect opportunity to explore different exhibit ideas prior to signing up for the fair.
Volunteers needed: If you have a past 4-H exhibit sitting around, and you’d be willing to share it with the group, sign-up here. Because of the quantity of projects, presenters are asked to keep their project description to 1-2 sentences. Any questions contact Rachel at reza0027@umn.edu.
Farm Animal Friends Wanted!
The event is scheduled for Saturday, May 14 from 9-11 a.m. at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center in Farmington. Animal friends will have to stay outdoors. If interested, contact Rachel at reza0027@umn.edu.
Farm Service Agency loans available for youth
Minnesota State Fair Scholarship due Aug. 1
Specialized agricultural license plate benefitting Minnesota 4-H and FFA now available
How to Make a Great Video at Home featuring Children's Theater actors - May 3
SIgn up for a special evening showcasing two Children's Theater actors! Join us on May 3 at 7 p.m. for a special evening with two Children's Theater actors who will demonstrate how to make your own video (including planning and performing).
Autumn Ness and Reed Sigmund are actors at the Children’s Theater. During Covid the theater was shut down, so they decided to create at-home video recordings. It began with Reed and Autumn acting out entries in the theater’s Write Now, in which kids would write plays that they would act out and film. They then began videotaping a series, “Audrey saves the Universe”, that Autumn wrote. They included their two sons and their dog. They will talk about what they learned through creating this series.
What will you learn?
You will learn how to write a story and how to put your acting skills to work to tell that story. You will also learn how to create a performing arts project at home using storytelling and video.
4-H members should log in to 4-H Online, click on their name and click on events-"Making a Great Video at Home". This event is for 4-H members in grades 6+ and volunteer 4-H leaders.
Dakota County Master Gardener Annual Plant Sale - May 14
It's time to start planning your 4-H gardening exhibits for the county fair. Stop by the Dakota County Master Gardeners Annual Plant Sale on Saturday, May 14 from 8 a.m. to noon at Whitetail Woods Regional Park, 17100 Station Trail, Farmington to get started. Sale will be held rain or shine.
Minnesota native plant seedlings, tomatoes, peppers, and herbs will be available for sale in containers. For the first time this year, sun and shade perennials, annuals, groundcovers, and shrubs that have been dug from volunteers’ gardens will be bare rooted. This means the roots are cleaned of dirt, then carefully wrapped and watered. It does not hurt the plant, but is a safer way to share plants while helping to protect buyers’ gardens from invasive jumping worms.
Plant Sale buyers are encouraged to bring boxes and wagons and to arrive early for the best selection.
Cash, checks, and credit cards will be accepted. Proceeds will be used to support University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener programs within Dakota County, including offering education for all ages, growing produce for local food shelves, increasing habitat for pollinators, and more.
Dakota County Master Gardeners will also accept any one-gallon plastic pots to recycle.
YELLO Leadership Conference registration opens April 1; exciting changes for 2022! Register by May 20
The Minnesota 4-H State Ambassadors are excited to invite youth in grades 7+ to take part in Youth Exploring Leadership and Learning Opportunities (YELLO) at Bemidji State University June 14 - 17.
YELLO is a 4-day, 3-night leadership development experience that is planned and facilitated by the Minnesota 4-H State Ambassadors. YELLO includes messages from nationally-recognized speakers, group networking experiences, field trips and opportunities to contribute to the local community through service.
New this year: Youth will be able to opt in to ride the bus to YELLO! There will be routes throughout the state with several stops on each route for participants to get on the bus to go to YELLO. Youth will be able to pick their choice for stops when they register in 4-HOnline. Also new this year, a day-long deep dive experience named “Destination Exploration”. On Thursday of the conference, youth will spend a full day exploring a topic of their choosing. Sessions will include hands-on activities and campus/community immersion, with connection to potential careers, academic programs, and/or 4-H project areas. Youth participants will rank their topic during the registration process. See the tentative schedule for more details. The YELLO Frequently Asked Questions is a great place to start if you have questions.
The cost to attend YELLO is $250, with an additional $40 fee for opting in to ride the bus. Youth will register via 4-H Online. Dakota County 4-H Federation will be covering the cost of the bus for Dakota County 4-H members and providing a scholarship of $125 to off-set the registration fee, in exchange for working an additional food or malt stand shift at the fair. Registration deadline is May 20. Please direct questions about YELLO to yello@umn.edu.
Summer Day Camp Counselor Opportunities - apply by May 31
Dakota County 4-H staff are looking for enthusiastic, positive youth leaders to volunteer as day camp counselors for two different day camps this summer. Any youth who has completed 7th grade and up is welcome to apply.
- Wednesday, June 29- K-3rd Grade (7:30 a.m.-5:15 p.m.); Training: June 22 (6-7:30 p.m.)
- Thursday, July 13- 4-5th Grade (7:30 a.m.-5:15 p.m.); Training: July 6 (6-7:30 p.m.)
Camps will be in-person, day-long experiences at the Dakota County Fairgrounds in Farmington. Responsibilities of camp counselors include: leading small groups through activities where youth will learn about butterflies, caterpillars, bugs, and bees (no live bees), playing games, activities, and crafts. Counselors must attend the mandatory training sessions prior to camp to review activities. Counselors receive a free camp t-shirt as well as snacks and beverages.
Applications are due May 31 via 4-H Online 2.0. Application can be found under Events - Dakota County Day Camp Counselors needed. If you have any questions contact Kirsten Pederson or Rachel Rezac.
4-H Day Camp Dates for 2022
Save the dates for the 2022 4-H day camps at the Dakota County Fairgrounds in Farmington! Campers will learn about the world of butterflies, caterpillars, bugs, and bees (NO LIVE BEES). This entomology-inspired camp will feature live animals, games, activities, and crafts. All participants receive a camp t-shirt if registered by camp deadline. Campers must have completed Kindergarten to attend. University of Minnesota staff and trained counselors will ensure your camper has a blast! Camp is open to youth in grades K-5, so invite your non-4-H friends to join you for a day of fun! Camp will run from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cost is $35/camper.
- Camp for grades K-3: Wednesday, June 29
- Camp for grades 4-5: Wednesday, July 13
Note: Current health and safety protocol issued from the University of Minnesota, in regards to Covid, will be followed at the time of camp. Staff strive to hold as many activities outdoors as is possible, weather permitting.
4-H Archery Camp and Nature Exploration - June 22-24
Join 4-H for a three-day camp experience filled with fun, hands-on activities including archery, outdoor exploration, arts & crafts, nature play and more. Youth will spend time learning the ins and outs of archery, including lots of target practice with the support of certified instructors. We’ll journey through Keller Regional Park to discover the wonders of the natural world around us. Our 4-H leadership team is composed of 4-H staff, certified archery instructors and trained camp counselors who will lead program activities throughout the week, creating a friendly and welcoming environment for all. Central region youth in grades 3-9. This is intended for both youth who are new to archery and youth who have some experience.
4-H Archery Camp and Nature Exploration Camp is June 22-24 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Keller Regional Park & Archery Range, 2166 Maplewood Drive, Maplewood. Cost $40; scholarships available. Register for camp in 4-H Online.
Babysitters Training Series starting April 26; register by April 21
In this online webinar 5 part series 4-H staff and guest presenters will help you gain the skills needed to take care of the kids in your neighborhood. Created for both young babysitters and those wanting a refresher this series gives you the opportunity to sharpen your skills and become a safe, reliable babysitter. Register by April 21 to receive link to join.
Time: 5-7 p.m.
Cost: Free
Who: Youth grade 5+
The deadline to register is April 21. To register, log in, or if new to 4-H, enroll, at https://mn.4honline.com. For assistance, refer to the event registration guide at z.umn.edu/4hEvent or contact torg0016@umn.edu
Fillmore County 4-H Rabbit Fun Show & Education Clinics - April 30
Cost is $2 per rabbit for the show; FREE education clinics
Show registration: 9-10 a.m.
Show begins: 11 a.m. (MN State Fair breed classes and a Cloverbud class)
Showmanship, Tattooing, & Judging Clinics: Begin at 9:30 a.m.
Awards Given: Best in Show, Reserve in Show, Best of Breeds, and 1st-3rd ribbons for each class. Champion and Reserve Junior, Intermediate and Senior Showmanship.
-Food stand hosted by Fillmore County 4-H Rabbit Project
-Please feel free to bring rabbis available for sale.
All proceeds will go to help fund the Fillmore County Rabbit project for educational clinics and resources.
This is a 4-H event and all 4-H rules and policies will be followed. All participants must be enrolled in 4-H upon showing. If not currently enrolled, paperwork will be available for youth to have one day membership.
Please contact the Fillmore County Extension Office at507-765-3896 or phill684@umn.edu
2022-23 Federation Officer Election
The Dakota County 4-H Federation is run by youth officers that help to lead meetings for both our Federation and our Executive Board. Meetings take place on the second Monday of each month. To run for an officer position, youth must have completed 6th grade and have completed two years of membership in 4-H.
Available positions to run for include: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and eight Youth Representatives. We are also in need of two adults to serve as adult representatives. All youth positions are one-year terms and the adult positions are two-year terms.
Duties of each office include:
President: presides over meetings, helps build and craft the agenda, assures the meetings run in an orderly manner and strives to make sure all member's opinions are heard
Vice President: fills in for the president and presides over the meeting if the president is absent, assists with committees
Secretary: records all of the business of the meeting and keeps a record of attendance, responsible for providing a report of the previous months minutes at each meeting
Treasurer: responsible for keeping track of and reporting the income and expenses for the Federation, writing checks and working with the adult treasurer and finance team to draft an annual budget
Youth and Adult Representatives: help with guiding the decisions and overall structure of the program
We encourage you to join us on Monday, May 9 starting at 7 p.m. at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center, we ask that you plan on participating in our annual meeting where we will be voting for our 2022-2023 4-H officers.
Additional nominations for officer positions will be accepted during the meeting.
The form to nominate or sign up can be found here: https://forms.gle/hBk7zhMXUmBQp2Ns8
Dakota County Extension Committee, Apply Today!
Provide youth voice on the Dakota County Extension Committee - Apply Today!
There are two open positions on the Dakota County Extension Committee for youth in grades 10-12 who live in Dakota County. These positions are important in providing input to the University of Minnesota Extension and Dakota County partnership, which includes the 4-H program. The commitment is four evening meetings a year for a one year term. Please contact Tammy McCulloch, Extension Regional Director to learn more and apply at tammym@umn.edu or 612-735-6161. What a great way to learn about local government, build your resume and ensure that Extension programs address community needs!
Provide Community Voice on the Dakota County Extension Committee - Apply Today
There are two open positions on the Dakota County Extension Committee for district 1 (Cities of Coates, Farmington, Hampton, Hastings, Miesville, New Trier, Randolph, Vermillion, Northfield Precinct 2; Townships of Castle Rock, Douglas, Empire, Eureka, Greenvale, Hampton, Marshan, Nininger, Randolph, Ravenna, Sciota, Vermillion and Waterford) and district 6 (City of Lakeville). These positions are important in providing input to the University of Minnesota Extension and Dakota County partnership, which includes the 4-H and Master Gardener programming. The commitment is four evening meetings a year for a two-year term. What a great way to learn about local government and ensure that Extension programs address community needs! You can learn more and apply at https://www.co.dakota.mn.us/Government/CAC/Extension. Feel free to contact Tammy McCulloch with questions at 612.735.6161 or tammym@umn.edu.
4-H Zooming into Wildlife series begins April 18; register by April 11
Calling all wildlife lovers - registration is now open for another round of Zooming into Wildlife! This unique series will give youth the opportunity to use a trail camera while meeting weekly over Zoom to share their photos, plus hear from engaging guest speakers. Speakers will include the MN Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, Osprey Wilds, Three Rivers Park District, Penn State DuBois Wildlife Technology, and more! Trail cameras are a great way to explore wildlife habits and learn about the environment outdoors. Participants have the opportunity to purchase an affordable trail camera if they do not currently have one. The Zooming into Wildlife Spring Series is geared towards youth 4th grade and up, but younger 4-H members can participate with parental guidance. Participants must be in "active" member status to participate. Go to 4-H Online to register by the April 11 deadline.
4-H Aquarium Club series starts May 5
Are you interested in learning more about fish or starting your very own aquarium?
Consider joining the Aquarium Club! This dynamic club is hosted virtually so you can join at your convenience and share your knowledge as well as learn from others. Club members share their set-ups during the monthly meetings and discuss any burning questions or situations you might be experiencing in your tank!
You do NOT have to have a fish tank to join the aquarium club! Anyone who is interested in learning more about the topic is welcome to join! The club is for youth ages 5+ and hosts meetings the first Thursday of every month at 4:30pm CST.
Learn more and register now at http://z.umn.edu/aquariumclub
Contact Toby Neal < neal0225@umn.edu > with any questions!
4-H Ag & Hort Afternoon Adventures - May 10: Crop Damage
This 4-H Ag & Hort Afternoon Adventure will take a look at driverless tractors, drones, and GPS. This 4-H Ag & Hort Afternoon Adventure will look at how technology is helping in agriculture. This series is open to youth in grades 3-5 and is a free event. Registration required.
Get Into Goats! at the Wadena County in-person workshop series starting April 23; register by April 15
The cost for this camp is $30 per family. See 2022 Wadena Goat Camp for more information about each session. Register for the 2022 Wadena Goat Camp in 4-H Online by April 15. Enrollment must be approved in 4-H Online before registration. Contact welcome4h@umn.edu with enrollment questions.
Engineering Design Challenge - teams forming now
In the 4-H Engineering Design Challenge, youth develop critical thinking, creativity, innovation and problem solving skills, and have fun at the same time! Each year, teams of youth in grades 3 and up and family teams solve a theme-based engineering challenge. The 2022 challenge is to design and build a machine to save energy by turning a light on and off.
While working with caring adults, teams apply engineering principles to plan and build a machine that completes a task. Minnesota 4-H supports volunteer coaches every step of the way with curriculum, project ideas and learning activities. No expertise is required.
If you are interested in being on a team email Abby at torg0016@umn.edu. We are looking for coaches too!
Statewide 4-H Dairy Net Merit Workshop - April 28; register April 22
Have you wondered what net merit is and the importance it plays in the evaluation of your dairy cattle? A virtual workshop on dairy net merit on April 28 for youth in grades 6+ will take a deeper look at the importance of investing in genetics when choosing dairy animals by incorporating genetics and genomics can influence lifetime profitability. Emphasis will be placed on show animals for the fair season to better understand how the formula is used to calculate net merit. This online workshop will be from 7 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 28. Registration deadline is April 22.
Enroll in 4-H online for the 2021-2022 year - if you haven’t already done so
Please register for the 4-H Dairy Net Merit workshop in the “Events” section of 4HOnline. This 4-H Online event registration guide may be helpful. You will need to register each youth individually.
4-H Lamb Lead Workshop - May 1; register by April 25
Do you participate in Lamb Lead? Have you wanted to but did not know where to start? Now is the perfect time to start learning more on how to select an outfit, review and practice interview questions and learn tips and tricks for in the show ring to impress the judge.
The 4-H Lamb Lead Workshop will meet virtually on Sunday, May 1 from 3:00 to 4:30 pm. Register in 4-H Online by April 25 to receive the link to participate. To register, log in, or if new to 4-H, enroll, at https://mn.4honline.com. For assistance, refer to the event registration guide at z.umn.edu/4hEvent.
On My Own - virtual series starts May 5; register by April 25
We are excited to offer a new On my own virtual series to prepare youth in grades 3 -6, who are now or will be staying home on their own. This class will be held in three virtual sessions from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursdays, May 5, 12 & 19.
Topics will include:
Emergency situations
First aid checklist
Kitchen safety
Fire safety
Making a 911 call
Internet safety
We will make a home fire escape plan, review questions to ask with parents before staying home alone and many more activities.
Register for this free event in MN.4Honline.com
Questions? Email Becky Moe, moexx045@umn.edu or Stacy Hall, smhall@umn.edu
What's Your Dill? Pickles and Pickling 4-H Food Preservation Program starts May 17; register by May 5
Do you love pickles? Join us for this 4-H Food Preservation series as we explore pickles and pickling! Participants will learn to make their own refrigerator pickles, dill pickles and more. Open to 4-H members in grades 3-13. Online learning series is free. Registration required by May 5.
We'll gather on May 17 at 7 p.m. to kick off our event. Learn about what to expect, how our session will work, and get to know other participants. Before you start making pickles, join us for an online informational session on July 6 at 7 p.m. In this session, we will discuss food preservation safety, basics of canning and the equipment you'll need to preserve pickles. A Zoom link will be provided to registered participants. Our program will wrap up on August 15, when we'll meet on Zoom at 7 p.m. to talk about our favorite pickles and reflect on our experience.
Grade K-2: Farm Fun Cloverbud Workshop May 14; register by May 6
Grade 3-5: Farm Fun Sprouts Workshop May 14; register by May 6
The Dakota County 4-H Sprouts program is back for the 2021-22 year. The May 14 workshop will be farm-themed. This free in-person workshop will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center in Farmington. Youth will learn about all things farm-related, make crafts and participate in hands-on fun. Workshops and activities are geared toward 4-H youth currently in grades 3-5. Sprouts is a new group designed as a continuation of the cloverbud program. New and returning members are welcome to join in on the fun! At the Sprouts workshops, youth will meet new friends, participate and practice leading activities, and create exciting projects! Register for the Sprouts workshops in 4-H Online. Registration is due Friday, May 6. Contact Cherie if you have questions. Contact Rachel at reza0027@umn.edu if you have any questions about the workshop.
4-H Photography Virtual Workshop - May 21; register by May 13
Gopher Dairy Camp - June 23-25; registration due May 6
Gopher Dairy Camp is June 23-25 at the University of Minnesota-St. Paul Campus and is hosted by the University of Minnesota's Gopher Dairy Club in cooperation with the Minnesota 4-H Dairy Project Committee and Minnesota Livestock Breeder's Association. Camp is open to youth who have completed grades 6-9 in June 2022, but haven't yet started grade 10.
Cost is $75; registration deadline is May 6. Camp is limited to 100 youth and registration is first come, first serve.
Minnesota 4-H Livestock Judging Camp - June 13-15; register by June 3
Do you need help with structuring, completing and presenting a set of oral reasons? Do you want to enhance your livestock evaluation and selection skills? Do you want to become better with oral reasons? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then the Minnesota 4-H Livestock Judging Camp is for you! Camp will be held June 13-15 and is open to youth in grades 6-12. Cost is $130 and covers meals, lodging, activities, supplies and a camp t-shirt. Registration is due June 3.
Presented by the University of Minnesota Livestock Judging Team and Coach Kyle Rozeboom, you will learn the basic fundamentals of livestock judging and evaluation, receive instruction with oral reasons, and become more confident with livestock judging!
Space Exploration
4-H and JOANN
Purchases made with the JOANN 4-H Rewards card help support the opportunity for all kids to experience hands on learning. Custom 4-H fabric is now available at JOANN stores or online. See the fabric designs. Share your creations on social media with #JOANNLOVES4H.
Sign up to become a Dakota County 4-H Ambassador!
Sign-up here to participate in the 2021-22 Ambassador program.
The Dakota County 4-H Ambassador program allows youth to take part in activities to help them become leaders and good citizens. A 4-H Ambassador is a self-motivated, 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 activities, and promoting 4-H throughout Dakota County. Contact Rachel for information on the Ambassador program.
4-H Horseless Horse Program continues
It's not too late to join the 4-H Horseless Horse program for the 2021–22 4-H year! Sessions are held the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month. The HLH program is for Dakota County youth enrolled in grade 3 or older. Participants must enroll in 4-H Online and register for the Horseless Horse project. See the family user's guide for assistance with 4-H Online enrollment. A schedule and more details are available on the Dakota County 4-H website. Events are the 2nd and 4th Thursday nights beginning at 7:30 p.m. Cost is $60/participant. Pre-registration required.
Upcoming sessions include: April 14 (virtual) and April 28 (In-person)
Steppin' Outdoors with Minnesota 4-H Challenge
Participants can use any step counter/mile tracker including smartphone apps or pedometers. Once each individual registers, our team will send a personalized form to track distance and time outdoors. And for some extra fun (and a little competition), we will offer monthly mini-challenges that integrate outdoor skills and 4-H projects. We might even see which county can get outdoors the most!
Register in 4-H Online, search for Steppin’ Outdoor Challenge. See the event registration guide for assistance with registration. If you are new to 4-H, please select the "In Person Camp/Event" club for your county.
Volunteers needed to become certified Shooting Sports and Wildlife Instructors
4-H Dog Supersession open to all dog enthusiasts - May 21
4-H Dog Supersession is a super fun learning experience for all dog project members. Youth in grades 3+, their families, trainers, and youth and adult dog project leaders are all welcome to attend. Participants will bring their project dogs and gain experience in obedience, rally, showmanship and agility classes as well as learn about how they can enjoy their dogs throughout their lives. Special presentations by an AKC representative will encourage 4-H members to explore activities like barn hunt, disk dog, tricks and dock diving. The session will also encourage positive methods for retrieving, nosework/scentwork, grooming, presenting, and careers with dogs.
4-H Dog Supersession will be held at the Twin Cities Obedience Training Club in Minneapolis on May 21. More details on registration to come.
MN 4-H Outdoor Adventure projects
- Shooting Sports and wildlife
- Fishing
- Wildlife biology
- ATV safety
- Hiking
- Self-determined
4-H Plastic Art Sculpture Challenge is back for 2022
Youth, clubs and families are invited to make an amazing piece of art by repurposing (upcycling) single-use or "found" plastics! So much fun is in store! Watch for details, tips, and news of the 4-H BIG Build in the coming weeks!
This great challenge combines art, engineering design, science, environmental sustainability, service, and creativity! The challenge is open to all ages as individuals, teams, clubs, and family groups!
How to become a 4-H judge for fairs and 4-H events
Judging makes 4-H competitions possible! To be a judge, you don't need to be 4-H alum or an expert. You do need to know how to evaluate the learning that a 4-H'er has done. We will train you to do that.
Once you are signed up as a judge and have done your basic training, your name will be in our judges database, which 4-H staff use to locate judges for events. Some projects require specialist judging training. Find out how to become a judge.
Seeking 4-H Project Workshop Instructors and Ideas
Do you have a special interest or skill to share? Have an idea for a workshop or a connection for a workshop that you feel the 4-H’ers would enjoy? Let us know!!! 4-H staff are looking for volunteers to help lead new workshops this winter. If you have an interest in leading a workshop or have a suggestion of a great new idea please contact Abby.
Some specific classes looking for instructors include;
- Valentines Candy/ Cookie Decorating
- Fishing Sports- fishing lure making
- Graphic Design
- Cultural Cooking
- Shop/ Wood Science
- Photography
- Drama/ Theatre/ Performing Arts
- Career Exploration
- Demonstrations
Hosts Needed for Free Little Pantries
University of MN Center for Family Development FREE webinars
Join us to learn about educational resources and tools to help families navigate financial choices. Together we'll work on building knowledge and skills around homeownership, credit, budgeting and saving, and changing financial needs across the lifespan. We'll also share culturally appropriate tools and educational resources to support American Indian and Latino communities. These online webinars are for individuals, families, educators and agency staff.
April 28 - Thrifty Thursdays - Plugging Your Spending Leak
The leading a 4-H club web page has launched
Resources for club leaders and volunteers leading a 4-H club have been reorganized. Explore these categories: Beginning the 4-H year, leading a 4-H club meeting (organized around a sample agenda), managing 4-H club operations, and ways to support club members. Suggest improvements to the site by using the gray “feedback” button on the right side of the screen.
Club Project Kits Available
- Crop art
- Geology
- Water Color
- MN Birds
- STEM
- Wood Burning
- Snowshoes
- Cooking Kits
Summer State and Regional Offerings:
June 14-17, YELLO
September 9-11, State Shooting Sports Invitational
Summer Camps:
June 13-15 - Resident Camp - Grades 3-8- Baker Outdoor Learning Center in Maple Plain
June 29 - Day camp - grade K-3 - Dakota County Fairgrounds in Farmington
July 13 - Day camp - grade 4-5 - Dakota County Fairgrounds in Farmington
Judging Dates/ Fair Dates:
- July 11 - Fair Entry registrations due in FairEntry.com
- July 20 - Photography, Computer, and Video judging
- July 21 - Demonstration and Illustrated Presentation judging
- July 31- Dog Show
- August 3 - Clothing and Fashion Revue judging
- August 5 - Oversized exhibit drop off
- August 6 - Static/Indoor project judging
- August 8-14 - Dakota County Fair
Dakota County 4-H Contacts
Abby Wagner: torg0016@umn.edu, 651-480-7752
Anja Johnson: akoester@umn.edu, 651-480-7758
Rachel Rezac: reza0027@umn.edu, 651-480-7754
Kirsten Pederson: kapeders@umn.edu, 651-480-7722
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