Friday Forecast 4/5/2024
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.
Hot Topics
Champion Awards Program committee members wanted
Staff are inviting youth and adults to participate in a committee to review and update the current Champion Awards program. The current champion awards program is held on the final day of the Dakota County Fair. In 2023, the champion awards program was Sunday, August 13 at 2 p.m. in the 4-H Building.
The current program process: youth are called on stage to receive their plaques then circle around to the back of the 4-H building to write a thank you note to the award sponsor. Next, they receive their champion t-shirt then pose for a photo.
If you would like to participate in the reimagining, please complete this form.
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.
Federation officer election May 13
The annual election of officers will be held at the May Federation meeting on Monday, May 13, 7 p.m. at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center, 4100 220th St W, Farmington. Elections are conducted by a simple majority vote of all active volunteers and enrolled members 6th grade and older.
Just like local clubs, the Dakota County 4-H Federation has officers to take care of the county business. The Federation youth officers are President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary, and four At-Large positions. All youth officers must be 7th grade or older and have completed 2 years of 4-H membership.
Adult officers are also a part of this group. Two Adult Leader At-Large officer positions open this election, for a two-year appointment. All adult advisors and adult leaders-at-large must be 4-H screened volunteers.
The Federation has a set a yearly meeting schedule, at 7 p.m. on the second Monday of the month, with 9 meetings per year.
If you have questions about how to get involved, contact Kris Vatter, kvatter@umn.edu, 651-480-7700.
MN 4-H seeking awesome 4-H’ers for event on April 23
What: Cultivating Healthy Living through Minnesota 4-H
When: Tuesday, April 23; 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Where: Malcolm Yards Market in Minneapolis 501 30th Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414
Malcolm Yards is the Twin Cities’ most exciting new food hall venue, and we’re thrilled to show off this venue for 4-H friends!
We hope you’ll consider attending and sharing your 4-H story with guests! Engage with guests one-on-one to help them see how 4-H equips young people (like you!) to be confident leaders and explore a passion related to 4-H healthy living. Hearing directly from youth about their personal growth and experiences is the core reason we host events like this! Anticipating around 90 adult guests from across the state to attend.
To sign up or ask questions, contact Matthew Keefe - keefe175@umn.edu or 612-626-4170
Arts-In Director needed for summer show; apply by April 19
Do you have a flair for the dramatic? Are you a secret screenwriter? Do you enjoy working with kids? If you answered yes to these questions, then this opportunity is for you. Dakota County 4-H is accepting applications for our summer Arts-In program.
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. Applications due April 19.
Contact Kris Vatter at kvatter@umn.edu if you have questions.
4-H Cloverbud Showmanship Class at the 2024 county fair
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.
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.
A responsible person (youth 6th grade and older or adult) is in control of the animal with the Cloverbud at their side.
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
4-H Enrollment
May 15 re-enrollment deadline approaching! Enroll now for full eligibility
Each year, 4-H members must re-enroll in 4-H Online. This includes selecting a club and project areas of interest as this information does not carry over from last year. 4-H members only receive email communication for projects you have signed up for, so it is important to re-enroll soon. 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.
4-H Online Event Registration Guide
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. 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.
Please contact Cherie if you have questions.
Camp Opportunities
Dakota/Washington overnight camp is full
The Dakota/Washington overnight camp scheduled for June 10-12 at Baker Outdoor Learning Center is full. A friendly reminder to those who have submitted the registration, payment must be received within one week of registration to secure their spot.
If you’re interested in being added to a waiting list, contact Rachel Rezac at reza0027@umn.edu.
Farm Safety Day Camp - June 18; SAVE THE DATE!
Mark your calendars for our Farm Safety Day Camp that will be held on Tuesday, June 18 at the Dakota County Fairgrounds in Farmington. We will educate youth about farm hazards and how to prevent farm accidents from happening.
All youth grades 3rd and up will have the opportunity to learn with hands-on activities, demonstrations from presenters, and hear firsthand stories about farm accidents from first responders. Youth will get to practice using fire extinguishers and practice first aid, among other hands-on activities.
More information and registration link to come.
Any questions, contact Jess Beissel at reed0324@umn.edu.
Dakota County 4-H Day Camp - June 25; register by June 1
Youth, grades K-5, are invited to attend one of our most popular events of the year. Staff are working on the theme but you can count on hands-on activities, engaging guest presenters, and games! T-shirt, snacks, and a full day of fun is included in the fee.
Date: Tuesday, June 25
Location: Dakota County Fairgrounds in the 4-H building
Drop Off: 8-8:30 a.m.
Pick Up: 4-4:30 p.m.
Registration: Register in 4-H Online by June 1 to guarantee t-shirt
Camp Fee: $25 by June 1; add $10 late registration fee June 2 until registration closes on June 20 (total $35)
Specific details such as what to bring and what to expect will be emailed prior to camp. Scholarships are available, please connect with Kirsten at kapeders@umn.edu or 952-240-7947 (text/call) for details.
Animal Science
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.
4-H Chicken and Pigeon workshop - May 1; register by April 30 (rescheduled from March 26 due to weather)
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, May 1 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, April 30 in 4-H Online.
Horseless Horse Summer Series begins April 23; register by April 21
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: April 23, May 14, June 4, 18, 25, July 9, 23, 30; 7-8 p.m.
Location: Behrendt’s Barn, 7861 272nd St. West in Farmington.
Register: Registration in 4-H Online by April 21 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, April 23 is Sunday, April 21.
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.
Dog Project Starting Soon: May 15 Animal ID Deadline Reminder
If your family will be participating in the Dog Project Training Sessions this summer please pay close attention to the Animal ID deadlines and requirements. Schedule your veterinary appointments now to ensure you have the proper paperwork in order to submit by the May 15 Animal ID deadline. Your veterinarian will complete the Affidavit and Vaccination Information portion on the MN 4-H Dog Project ID Form. Print enough forms for each dog you plan to exhibit in the 4-H Dog Project.
The first training session is Monday, May 6. A more detailed schedule will be released soon.
If you have questions please contact Kirsten at kapeders@umn.edu or 952-240-7947 (text/call).
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.
Dakota County 4-H Dog Show is Sunday, August 18.
4-H Dog SuperSession: June 1; register by May 20
The 2024 SuperSession will take place on Saturday, June 1, at the Wadena County Fairgrounds. 4-H Dog SuperSession is hosted by MN 4-H.
This will be a fun-filled day for 4-H dog project members, with the opportunity to learn new things and make new friends in the 4-H dog project. Plan to bring several of your fellow club members and take notes to share the information at a meeting. All youth in grades 3 and up, their families, trainers, youth and adult dog project leaders are welcome.
Presentations will include:
Fine-tuning obedience skills.
Rally skills and hints for success.
The best of showmanship.
Agility – handling skills, obstacle performance and more.
Training topics – motivating your dog, obedience skills for the real world and learning theory.
Careers with dogs.
Grooming your dog.
Additional opportunities.
Cost: $25 per 4-H member/handler (with dog); $10 per 4-H member auditor (without dog)
Register in 4-H Online by May 20 under Events, using Dog Supesession.
LQA&E Training - June 21; register by June 14
Mark your calendars for the 2024 Livestock Quality Assurance training (LQA). Training will be held on Friday, June 21 from 8:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at Dee Brother LLC in Farmington, MN.
LQA&E training is:
- Designed to enhance the educational experience of 4-H animal science projects.
- REQUIRED for youth grade 6 and up, exhibiting beef, dairy, goat, llama, poultry, rabbit, sheep and swine at the MN State Fair.
- Needs to be complete by July 26 to be eligible to accept a MN 4-H state fair livestock trip, if given the opportunity.
- Valid for three fair seasons if completing the in-person training.
- Online training option available if unable to attend this training and is valid for one fair season.
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.
Register in 4-H Online by June 14. The 4-H Online event registration guide will walk you through how to register. Contact Cherie if you have questions on 4-H Online.
Contact Jessica Beissel if you have questions about the training at reed0324@umn.edu.
Gopher Dairy Camp - June 20-22; registration due April 24
University of Minnesota Gopher Dairy Club is excited to announce that the 20th Gopher Dairy Camp will take place June 20-22 at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. Camp is for youth who have completed grades 6 through 9.
Participate in workshops, select a calf for showing, and engage in social activities while staying in the comfort and security of the Frontier Residence Hall. With a focus on calf selection, show preparation, and showmanship, this camp offers invaluable learning opportunities.
Register now for only $75, including housing, meals, and materials. Secure your spot today and embark on a journey of dairy discovery! Registration due April 24.
MN 4-H Livestock Judging Camp - June 17-19; register by June 7
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 either of these questions, then the Minnesota 4-H Livestock Judging Camp is for you! Camp is open to youth who are completing grades 6-12.
Presented by the University of Minnesota Livestock Judging Team and Coach Kyle Rozeboom, this camp will teach you the fundamentals of livestock judging and evaluation, provide instruction with oral reasons, and help you become more confident in livestock judging.
Camp is June 17-19 at the University of Minnesota St. Paul Campus.
Cost is $150; registration due June 7 in 4-H Online, under Events. Additional information, including daily schedule, housing, meals and driving instruction, will be emailed to registered participants.
Events and Workshops
4-H Cloverbud & Sprout Potato Workshop - April 13; register by April 5
Join the ambassador team in a hands-on potato-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 plant potatoes, sample potato recipes and hors d’oeuvres, 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 Saturday, April 13, 9-11 a.m. at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center in Farmington. Registration due April 5 to allow staff and the ambassador team enough time to secure and prepare workshop supplies. Workshop is free to attend.
Registration due Friday, April 5 in 4-H Online. The 4-H Online event registration guide will walk you through how to register.
Save the date: the last Cloverbud & Sprout workshop is May 4; registration deadline April 26.
Contact Rachel at reza0027@umn.edu if you have questions.
Lego Stop Motion workshop - April 13; register by April 7
Have fun using Legos to create stop motion animation! Learn the basics of creating a video. Then write your own story and animate it in stop motion using Legos. Workshop for youth grades 5 and older. Workshop hosted by Dakota Green Hearts 4-H club.
Workshop is Saturday, April 13, 1-3 p.m. at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center, 4100 220th Street West in Farmington.
Cost is $5. Space is limited.
Register in 4-H Online by April 7. The 4-H Online event registration guide will walk you through how to register.
4-H Photography workshop - April 20; register by April 16
Now is the perfect time to work on your county fair photography exhibits. This workshop will help you get ideas and teach skills that will give you a jumpstart. Youth grade 3 and up are welcome on Saturday, April 20 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center, 4100 220th St W, Farmington.
Learn about the rule of thirds, basic editing, composition, depth of field and much more. Participants will be taking pictures outside (weather permitting). Digital cameras and iPads will be available to use for some of the lessons, but youth should also bring a camera or phone/camera, (if they have one) and a stuffed animal or favorite toy to photograph.
Cost of the workshop is $5. Space is limited. To secure your spot, mail $5 payment to Dakota County 4-H, 4100 220th St. W., Suite 101, Farmington, MN 55024.
Register in 4-H Online by April 16. The 4-H Online event registration guide will walk you through how to register.
Contact Kris Vatter at kvatter@umn.edu if you have questions.
Gluten Free Cupcake Baking Workshop - April 27; register by April 19
Do you or someone whom you bake for need to eat gluten free? Join the Dakota Green Hearts 4-H club as they present a workshop on gluten free cupcakes. Participants will be baking gluten free filled cupcakes with frosting. Open to youth grade 6 and older. Workshop hosted by Dakota Green Hearts 4-H club.
Workshop is Saturday, April 27, 10 a.m.-noon at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center in Farmington.
Cost is $5. Space is limited.
Register in 4-H Online by April 19. The 4-H Online event registration guide will walk you through how to register.
Bell Museum Field Trip - April 27; register by April 23
The Bell Museum is Minnesota’s official natural history museum, located on the University of Minnesota campus at 2088 Larpenteur Ave. West in St. Paul. Youth 3rd grade and up are invited to tour this unique facility at a reduced rate of $5 on Saturday, April 27, 2-4 p.m.
Youth will explore native plants, life on earth, and world-famous wildlife dioramas. This experience will not involve a planetarium visit.
Shooting Sports & Wildlife members will receive credit for one hour of wildlife education towards the state shoot requirement.
Families should plan to meet at the museum entrance by 1:50 p.m. to meet the 4-H group leader for tickets. Paid surface lot parking is available nearby for $6.
Register in 4-H Online by April 23. The 4-H Online event registration guide will walk you through how to register. If families would like additional tickets so family members may attend also, please indicate this during the registration process.
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 and Wildlife project update
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.
- Archery indoor practice: April 14; 2:30-4:30 p.m. at BlackHawk Middle School, 1540 Deerwood Drive in Eagan
- Air rifle/air pistol indoor practice: April 15, 17; 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Rosemount American Legion, 14590 Burma Ave. West in Rosemount
- WHEP Meetings: 6-7 p.m., April 16 at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center, 4100 220th St. West in Farmington. Open to all enrolled 4-H'ers.
Wildlife Habitat Education Program (WHEP) is a fun hands-on environmental education program dedicated to teaching wildlife and fisheries habitat management to youth. There may be an opportunity for a local team to test their wildlife knowledge in a friendly competition. To learn more, contact volunteer Sara Peters at roo@charter.net.
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.
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.
Regional and Statewide Events
Central Regional 4-H Pumpkin Challenge; register by April 9
Learn how to grow pumpkins with the Central Region 4-H Pumpkin Challenge. Choose from 3 registration types: virtual (seeds will be mailed to you), in-person kickoff option one, May 21st in Isanti, MN, or in-person kickoff option two, June 4th in St. Michael, MN. In-person kickoff participants receive 2 started pumpkin seedlings (1 normal pumpkin and 1 giant pumpkin), a greenhouse tour, and education on caring for their pumpkins by master gardeners and volunteers. Virtual participants meet May 6th at 6:30pm.
Some participants (virtual and in-person) will be randomly selected to receive giant pumpkin seeds from the 2020 world record-winning pumpkin "Tiger King" grown by Travis Gienger. Audience: K-13. Cost: $5 for virtual and $10 for kickoff 1 and kickoff 2.
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.
YELLO to be held at University of Minnesota - Morris campus June 12-15; register by May 10
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.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer training: Creating Belonging; April 16 & 30; register by April 12
Belonging and creating a welcoming environment is core to every 4-H program. All 4-H volunteers are invited to participate in a two-part series focusing on fostering a welcoming environment in local programs. Using video, small group discussion, and games, this volunteer training will cover the topics of identity and bias and how they contribute to creating belonging.
The Creating Belonging series aims to bring awareness of acceptance, awareness and identity among county-based volunteers and educators. Through interactive activities and group discussions, participants- both educators and volunteers will learn about how to make authentic connections and develop intentional relationships with youth and their families.
There will be two modules offered virtually on Tuesdays, April 16 and 30, 6:30 - 8 p.m., each lasting 90 minutes. Session one covers topics of identity and belonging, session two covers topics of bias and belonging. Volunteers may enroll for one or both of the free sessions, and volunteers who participate in both sessions will receive a $25 Target gift card. https://z.umn.edu/CRBelonging
Register in 4HOnline, under EVENTS, by April 12 for the first session or both sessions, or by April 26 for the second session. Zoom information will be sent after registration. Contact Kathryn Sharpe, shar0056@umn.edu, with any questions.
Dakota City Heritage Village clean-up and pizza lunch - April 20
The time has come again to clean up the village in anticipation of the summer months!
Dakota City Heritage Village is having a clean-up day with a pizza lunch on Saturday, April 20, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. We will be cleaning the grounds and some of the buildings and we need all the help we can get! A pizza lunch afterwards will be provided.
Please register to volunteer, either via this form or by calling 651-460-8050.
4-H County Fair Updates
Dakota County 4-H Pet and Cat Show: Monday, July 22
Mark your calendars for an evening of fun for members in grades K-13. Bring your pet or cat to Trinity Care Center 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.
Dakota County Fair - August 5-11, 2024
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.
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/Public Presentation 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