Dakota County 4-H

06/07/2026

On Sunday, June 14, at 1 p.m. youth 3rd grade and up are invited to get their hands dirty and learn to plant like a pro! Youth will design and plant their own patio pot, then learn how to care for it so it keeps growing all season long.

The workshop costs $5 and will be held at the Farmington Greenhouse, 519 Willow St, Farmington. Please register in 4-H Online by June 10. Questions can be directed to Kris Vatter.

06/06/2026

Youth who love to be on stage love Arts-In

Spend a week with a creative group of 4-H'ers to learn an original scripted musical, to be performed at the Dakota County Fair. All youth are invited to participate, regardless of previous stage experience. No one will be turned away.

Arts-In application deadline in 4-H Online– June 26
Arts-In auditions – Thursday, July 9; 6-7:30 p.m., Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center
Arts-In rehearsals – July 20-24 (all day, includes Friday), Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center
Arts-In rehearsal/performances - August 13 - 16, Dakota County Fair, 4-H Building. Time TBD

Contact Kris Vatter, [email protected] for more information.

06/05/2026

Youth needed to assist with Arts-In

In cooperation with the other student directors and the advice/support of the Director(s), you will help by participating in writing the script, music selection, and a specific area of interest (performing, costume, technical.) Student Director applications due Friday, June 26.

Details found in the Job Description/Application in the comments

06/04/2026

We had a great turnout for our Dairy Workshop that was held on Wednesday, May 27th. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us at Square Deal Dairy for an evening packed with learning and hands-on fun.

Our youth and families got an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of the facility and learned exactly what it takes to care for show animals on a daily basis. From mastering nutrition and feeding schedules to discovering top-tier management and show prep secrets, our members walked away with fantastic new skills to take back to their own barns.

Shoutout to Square Deal Dairy for hosting us, sharing their incredible expertise, and helping our youth grow as confident animal caretakers. The future of the dairy project is looking bright!

06/02/2026

05/30/2026

Got a little dirty at the Falling Safely clinic today at Last Standing Ranch. Youth learned skills to help them when the inevitable event happens. Work on core strength at home!

05/30/2026

Congrats to our 2026 high school graduates!
Our next graduate is Jack C. who will be attending the Minneapolis Community and Technical College to study Cinema. Jack has been a dedicated 4-Her since Kindergarten, and has enjoyed his time in the dog, rabbit, crafts, and performing arts projects. He is also an active member of Farmington High School choir and theater, participating in many shows and concerts throughout his high school career. He is an academic and choir letter winner and is excited to combine his academic skill and love of the arts in his future studies at MCTC!

05/29/2026

Congrats to our 2026 high school graduates!
Our next graduate is Brayden S. who will be attending SDSU to study psychology and exercise science. Brayden has been a dedicated member of the Empire Rockets 4-H Club for 13 years. He has earned the prestigious 4-H Key Award, along with the Jacquie Devney Scholarship and the Dakota County Livestock Auction Scholarship. Throughout his time in 4-H, he has held club offices and supported numerous club and county youth leadership events. Brayden has shown sheep, pigs and goats and completed numerous non-livestock projects, with his favorites being aerospace, shop, crafts and fine arts. He has exhibited at the Minnesota State Fair every year, taking both livestock and static projects. Beyond his accomplishments, Brayden values the friendships he’s built through 4-H and will treasure the memories made during county fair and state fair livestock encampment with his friends.

05/29/2026

TODAY is the LAST DAY to sign up for the Raising Meat Rabbits Workshop: From First Steps to Growth

Join us for an engaging 4-H rabbit workshop featuring special guest presenter Tammy Pickar. This interactive session will explore a variety of meat rabbit breeds, highlighting the advantages and considerations of each. Participants will gain hands-on experience in evaluating rabbits and learning how to select quality animals with confidence.

Youth are encouraged to bring their own meat rabbits for guided, practical learning. If you have a Standard of Perfection, please bring it along as a helpful reference.

When: Saturday, May 30
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center, 4100 220th Street West in Farmington
Grades: 3rd and up
Register in 4-HOnline by May 29
Cost: Free