Gopher Dairy Camp - June 15-17; register by May 5
Gopher Dairy Camp is a fun 3-day workshop for youth who want to improve their dairy cattle skills. Camp is open to all youth who have completed grades 6-9 but have not yet started 10th grade. Activities include dairy fitting and showmanship workshops, dairy showmanship contest, dairy foods workshop, and fun around the Twin Cities. Gopher Dairy Camp is hosted by the Gopher Dairy Club in cooperation with the Minnesota 4-H Dairy Project Committee and the Minnesota Livestock Breeders' Association. Cost is $75/camper. Register and learn more.
May 8 Federation Meeting: Officer Elections, Pizza & Plants
We will be holding the annual Election of officers, enjoying pizza and having a planting experience. Please RSVP so we have enough supplies for everyone.
The annual election of officers will be held at the May Federation meeting on Monday, May 8th, 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 sets a yearly meeting schedule, at 7 p.m. on the second Monday of the month, with approximately 10 meetings per year.
Any questions about how to get involved, contact Kris Vatter, kvatter@umn.edu, 651-480-7758.
Dog training classes continue on Monday nights
Weekly in-person dog training have started. Practice continues every Monday with set-up at 5:30 p.m. at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center, 4100 220th St. West in Farmington.
See the 2023 Dakota County 4-H Dog Training Schedule for complete details.
Before attending any dog training:
All dog vaccinations must be up-to-date before attending training classes.
Complete and bring dog training registration form to training class with payment.
$40/youth; $60/family max training fee. Please do not let cost be a barrier to participation. Scholarships are available for all 4H’ers. Contact Kris for more information.
Remember to keep all dogs at least six feet away from other dogs and keep them home if they are sick.
Grade K-2: "Parachutes and Planting" Cloverbud Workshop - May 20; register by May 12
Join the fun in a hands-on workshop on Saturday, May 20 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center, 4100 220th St. West in Farmington. Youth will be engaged in parachute games, planting, crafts and more!
Registration due in 4-H Online by May 12. 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.
Contact Rachel at reza0027@umn.edu if you have any questions about the workshop.
WHEP: Outdoor learning - May 12 & 19
Upcoming WHEP activities:
May 12, 6-7 p.m. at Apple Valley East Park, 15335 Dunbar Ave. in Apple Valley. Meet at trailhead across from Dunbar Blvd. The group will be IDing plants and insects using pocket microscopes. We will discuss dragonflies and damselflies more in detail, and may walk to the next park down cobblestone.
May 19, 6-7 p.m. at Jensen Lake Trailhead of Lebanon Hills Park
The group will focus on the lake ecosystem including waterfowl and fish.
At these meetings there will be a little something to take home to remember your time learning about wildlife!
YELLO-June 13-16; register by May 12;
Youth Exploring Leadership and Learning Opportunities (YELLO) is a 4-H leadership conference that prepares youth to learn and lead in their communities. YELLO is planned and facilitated by the Minnesota 4-H State Ambassadors. Youth will:
Build and learn skills to reach goals and plan for the future.
Explore careers, college and other topics of interest through interactive workshops.
Develop positive connections to other youth and adults through small and large groups, workshops and other interactive sessions.
Take health breaks to recharge and process learning.
When: June 13 - 16
Where: Bemidji State University (transportation available)
Who: Grades 7+
Register: Register in 4-H Online by Friday, May 12
Cost: $275. Transportation available from Dakota County Extension Office, for a fee. The Dakota County 4-H Federation supports participation and will award 50% of the registration fee if the youth agrees to work an additional malt/food stand shift, above the required shift, during the Fair. 
Create and think like an engineer at the Dakota County Engineering Design Challenge Kickoff - May 13
The EDC Kick-off is a workshop to build interest through hands-on engineering activities and recruit team members and volunteer coaches. This workshop will be a chance to learn more about the 2023 EDC, how to join a team or get more information on becoming an EDC Coach. The theme for this year’s Engineering Design Challenge honors the 10 year anniversary of this program: Take Your Best Shot and Celebrate!
When: Saturday, May 13; 10 a.m. - Noon
Who: Youth grades 3 and up and adult volunteers
Where: Wescott Library, 1340 Wescott Rd, Eagan, MN; Large meeting room, Basement level
Registration: Register in 4-H Online by May 10.
This event will also provide hands-on training for adults to provide support to teams as they complete the challenge. Adults who are interested should complete this form.
The 4-H Engineering Design Challenge (EDC) is an opportunity for youth to work on a team to learn about physics and engineering while designing and building a Rube Goldberg™ type machine. A Rube Goldberg™ machine uses a series of chain-reaction steps that culminate in accomplishing a task. The goal is to encourage creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking. Each year a new challenge is chosen for teams to have their machines to solve. Learn more and register.
The registration deadline to form a county-wide team is June 23 and the state showcase event is Monday, August 7 in St. Cloud, MN.
2023 4-H Animal Identification Details including horse and dog
Now is the time to identify your 4-H animals for the fair. Beef breeding heifers, cow/calf pairs, prospect calves (steers and heifers), dairy, dairy goats, meat goats, dog, horse, llama-alpaca, poultry (doves and pigeons), rabbits, sheep, and swine MUST be identified in 4-H Online by May 15, 2023. All market beef should have been identified by February 15, 2023.
Refer to the MN 4-H Animal Science identification requirements table for information on ID requirements for each species. Complete the Tag Request Form to order your ear tags now to allow staff time to coordinate your tag and tagger pick up. Ear taggers are available for you to check out and use.
Contact Rachel Rezac (for swine, dairy, goat & poultry) at 651-480-7754 or reza0027@umn.edu or Jessica Beissel (for beef, sheep, rabbit) at 651-210-0762 or reed0324@umn.edu or Cherie Frandrup at 651-480-7702 or frand004@umn.edu, if you have questions.
Horseless Horse Meetings CHANGE OF LOCATION for ALL future meetings
This program, led by youth leaders involved with the Horseless Horse and Horse projects, will allow youth to work with horses in a variety of ways while on the ground. Each session will include an education piece and hands on activities with horses.
What: Horseless Horse Project Meetings
Who: Youth 3rd grade and up; must be enrolled in 4-H Online prior to attending
Where: Behrendt's Barn, 7861 272nd St. West, Farmington
When: May 2, 16, June 6 and 20, July 18
Time: 7-8 p.m.
Registration: Register in SignUp Genius to attend each session. Participants should be enrolled in 4-H Online, signed up for the Horseless Horse project in 4-H Online. Refer to the 4-H Online enrollment for families guide for assistance.
Cost: $25 per participant; payable to Dakota County 4-H. Please 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.
Youth will be required to wear horse riding helmets when in proximity to the horses for in-person events (4-H does supply the helmets for youth to use during the practices). Dress appropriately for the weather, the barn can be chilly.
Contact Kirsten at kapeders@umn.edu if you have questions or for more information.
Dairy Workshop - May 21; register by May 18
Youth 3rd grade and up, who is interested in learning more about dairy showmanship, daily care, fitting for show, and animal selection should attend. Hands-on activities and giveaways will keep the attendees engaged and learning more about this project area.
Pizza and beverages will be served.
Registration in 4-H Online required and is due Thursday, May 18. Participants register for the dairy workshop in 4-H Online. The 4-H Online event registration guide will walk you through how to register.
Contact Rachel at reza0027@umn.edu if you have questions.
General Livestock Judging Team Interest Survey and Kick-off meeting - June 12
If you are interested in participating on the general livestock judging team this summer, please fill out the interest survey.
We will kick-off the season with an informational meeting on Monday, June 12 at 6 p.m. at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center, 4100 220th St. West in Farmington. Come enjoy pizza and learn more about the topics below. Please fill out the Pizza RSVP 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. 4-H'ers interested in dairy, general livestock (beef, meat goat, sheep and swine).
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!
Contact Jessica Beissel at reed0324@umn.edu for more information.
Shooting Sports project practices begin soon
4-H members interested in participating in the Shooting Sports project must to be enrolled in the Shooting Sports project before participating in any range activities. If you aren't signed up for the Shooting Sports project, log into your 4-H Online account and add the project to your profile. Being enrolled in the project will also ensure that you receive communication about upcoming opportunities including practice sessions on the range and wildlife events.
At weekly range practice, Shooting Sports members will learn how to use air rifle, .22 rifles, archery and other equipment, as well as learn more about the environment and the wildlife in it. Shooting Sports project is for 4-H youth in grades 3 and up. For more information, contact Peter Vogel at vogel4h@gmail.com or Kris Vatter at kvatter@umn.edu.
Arts-In summertime performing arts program
Arts-In is a summertime performing arts program for youth grades 3 and above. All participants who audition are cast in the show and will learn a 30 minute original musical during encampment. Arts-In shows are filled with singing, acting, choreography and a whole lot of creative energy and fun! The shows are performed at the Dakota County Fair and, potentially, one day at the Minnesota State Fair.
Auditions: July 11; 6-8:30 p.m.
Arts-In Encampment: July 17, 19, 20; 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.; July 21; 8 a.m. - Noon
(depending on the part in the show, times and dates may vary)
Cost: $50
Register: Register in 4-H Online by June 28
If you have any questions please contact Kris Vatter, kvatter@umn.edu or call 651-480-7758.
Public Safety Day Camp for Campers and Counselors
Dakota County 4-H Day Camp will feature a public safety theme with special guests from the Farmington Fire Department and Swat Team, K-9 Unit, Dakota County Sheriff and Dakota Electric Association. Camp will also include outdoor games (weather permitting), hands-on activities, and FUN! Reserve your spot now!
Cost is $25 and includes camp t-shirt and snacks. Registration is due May 24.
Who: Youth that have completed grades K-5, June, 2023.
When: June 21, 2023
Time: Check-in: 8-8:30 a.m. Check-out: 4-4:30 p.m.
Where: Dakota County Fairgrounds, 4008 220th St. West in Farmington
Registration: Register in 4-H Online by May 24, under Events. For assistance, refer to the 4-H Online event registration guide.
Cost: $25/camper. Send payment to Dakota County 4-H, Attn: Day Camp, 4100 220th St. West, #101, Farmington, MN 55024. Checks payable to Dakota County 4-H.
Day Camp Counselors Needed
Like working with youth? Looking for leadership opportunities? Look no further! Sign up to be a Day Camp Counselor. You will be paired with another teen leader to work with a small group of K-5 campers.
When: Wednesday, June 21, 2023
Training: Monday, June 19 from 6-7:30 p.m.
Where: Training and camp are at the Dakota County Fairgrounds
Interested: Contact Kirsten at kapeders@umn.edu or text/call 952-240-7947
Deadline: May 28
Contact Kirsten at kapeders@umn.edu if you have questions.
Livestock Quality Assurance & Ethics Training - June 23
Who: Youth 6th grade and above that would take a state fair livestock trip
When: Friday, June 23 from 8:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: Krueger Farm, 9819 Neal Ave. So., Hastings
Cost: $5 per 4-H'er; money collected at the event
Register: Deadline to register is Tuesday, June 20.
Livestock Quality Assurance & Ethics (LQA&E) training is required of any youth 6th grade and above that would take a state fair livestock trip. It is required for youth exhibiting dairy, beef, sheep, swine, goats, llama, rabbit and poultry. Livestock Quality Assurance training helps youth provide excellent care for their food animals and ensure a high level of food safety to consumers. It is designed to enhance the educational experience of 4-H animals science projects. Training must be completed before your county fair.
Questions should be directed to Rachel Rezac, reza0027@umn.edu or Ann Church church109@umn.edu.
See the MN 4-H LQAE training page for additional training dates.
MN 4-H Photography Challenge; photos due by June 5
Minnesota 4-H Photography is excited to offer another statewide photography challenge open to youth in grades K-13.
Select your best close-up photo (with no or minimal editing) from the 2022-2023 4-H year and submit it with up to two (2) sentences that explain the photo! Learn more.
Submit one (1) jpg or jpeg image and up to two (2) sentences that explain the photo to fourhphoto@umn.edu by 11:59 p.m. (CST) on June 5, 2023. Volunteer 4-H photography judges will provide feedback via a slideshow. Top photos will be recognized with a prize and random prize drawing winners will also receive a gift.
Questions? Email fourhphoto@umn.edu.
Choose Your 4-H Outdoor Adventure Speaker series - May 8
Join the online event each month to hear from inspiring speakers, such as professionals in the outdoor industry, authors and youth in the 4-H Program!
Movie & Discussion - We will watch a special viewing of the Emily Ford film, “A Voice for the Wild.” Emily trekked 200 miles across the Boundary Waters in the winter, raising funds for BIPOC students to explore the BWCA through No Boundaries to the Boundary Waters. We will end with a small group breakout discussion. Registration required.
The Great 4-H Tomato Challenge - June 10
Calling all youth grades 3-8! Head to Hutchinson, MN on June 10 for The Great 4-H Tomato Challenge. We will learn about and plant a tomato that you will care for throughout the growing season. Track your produce grown for a chance to win a prize! Learn more.
4-H video production workshop
Join the Minnesota 4-H video project team for an awesome summer workshop! Youth members who have experience in video creation will come together to learn from experts in the field about story development, lighting, sound, video angles and so much more.
This workshop will include four one-hour virtual sessions, a three-day in-person immersion event and a one-day film festival. Learn more and register.
4-H choose your outdoor adventure self guided series
MN State Fair Encampment Dates
Livestock Encampment - August 23-27
Static Exhibits (general) and Public Presentations Encampment - August 27-29
First year in the 4-H program? Check out this resource to learn more!
Questions? Email Kirsten at kapeders@umn.edu.
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We have a new Instagram account! Please follow us at Dakota.County4H or connect via Facebook at DakotaCounty4H.
Dakota County 4-H Contacts
Kirsten Pederson: kapeders@umn.edu, 651-480-7722
Rachel Rezac: reza0027@umn.edu, 651-480-7754
Kris Vatter: kvatter@umn.edu; 651-480-7758
Jessica Beissel: reed0324@umn.edu; 651-480-7752
Cherie Frandrup: frand004@umn.edu, 651-480-7702