Dakota County 4-H

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Dakota County 4-H

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4-H is an organization for any youth in Kindergarten through one year past high school. Town, or country Dakota County 4-H has something for you!

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© 2024 Regents of the University of Minnesota. University of Minnesota Extension is an equal opportunity educator and employer. This page is for local and regional 4-H news. No commercial posts, please.

10/16/2026

4-H club officer training is Monday, Nov. 23, 6-8 p.m., with a quick pizza dinner served at 5:45 p.m. for those that register in 4-H Online by Nov. 19. All club officers, club leaders, and club officer advisors should plan to attend the training, held at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center, 41000 220th St W, Farmington.

There will be sessions for all club officers on the basics of Parliamentary Procedure, to help club meetings go smoothly and involve all youth members, as well as break-out sessions for Secretary, President, Vice-President, and other positions. Youth will meet peers from the Federation and other clubs and get new ideas to take back to energize their meetings.

Treasurers should plan to attend the series of two online trainings offered by MN 4-H. Please register in 4-HOnline by November 19 to indicate which office youth represent and any food restrictions. Contact Kris Vatter, [email protected]. 651-480-7758 with questions.

10/15/2026

Families that enroll their youth in 4-H Online by 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 1 and pay their 4-H annual dues are eligible for a reduced rate of $20/member, with a family cap/max cost of $50.

On Nov. 2 dues return to $25/member with no family cap.

Complete the member dues form when paying dues, sent out recently to all Dakota County Families via email. The form includes links for credit card payments.

4-H membership dues support Dakota County 4-H operating costs, pay state dues, help keep event costs low, and provide program scholarships.

Paying membership dues does NOT re-enroll members for the 2026-27 4-H year.
In addition to paying dues, members must also re-enroll in 4-H Online.

Cost should not be a barrier to 4-H participation. Please contact Kris Vatter, [email protected], for assistance.

10/14/2026

Next Stop: Kansas City!

Our senior general livestock judging team is officially hitting the road to Kansas City to represent us at the national livestock judging contest this weekend! They’ve put in countless hours of practice, hard work, and dedication to get to this stage, and we couldn’t be prouder.

Coach: Matt Duff
Team Members: Libby L., Maddi B., Zaria M., and Jonathan T.

Drop a comment below with a "good luck!" to cheer them on as they hit the road!

10/13/2026

The Dakota County Minnesota 4-H Key Award applications are LIVE and due Jan. 1

The Minnesota 4-H Key Award is the highest honor a youth member can achieve in the Minnesota 4-H program. Each year, we celebrate exceptional youth leaders who have dedicated countless hours to serving their clubs, communities, and the 4-H program. This prestigious award not only recognizes their contributions and leadership but also encourages continued growth as engaged, responsible citizens. Recipients are honored together at a special recognition reception held in Feb., where their accomplishments are celebrated by family, friends, and the 4-H community.

To be eligible, applicants must be in 10th grade or above and meet the requirements outlined in the application.

If you’re a younger 4-H member, we encourage you to review the criteria now so you can begin working toward this distinguished honor in the future. Start building your leadership skills and community impact today, you could be one of tomorrow’s Key Award recipients!

Questions? Contact Jess Beissel at [email protected]

10/12/2026

Ready to Put Your 4-H Knowledge to the Test? Join a Dakota County Project Bowl Team!

It’s officially Project Bowl season! If you love team competition, fast-paced trivia, and spending time with friends, this is your time to shine.

What is a 4-H Project Bowl? Think of it as a fun, fast-thinking quiz show! Teams of 3 to 6 youth team up to sharpen their skills, build teamwork, and show off what they know. Whether you're a seasoned expert or brand new to a topic, there's a place for you.

Choose your passion area: Dairy, General Livestock (Beef, Swine, Sheep & Goat), Horse, Poultry, Rabbit

Don't miss out on the action, grab your friends and get ready to represent Dakota County 4-H!

Please fill out the interest form attached in our weekly newsletter by Friday, Oct. 23rd if you would like to participate in one of the project bowl areas.

Questions? Contact Jess Beissel at [email protected]

10/11/2026

Saturday, November 7, 9 a.m. – Noon, starting at the Dakota County Extension Office. 4100 220th St W, Farmington, veteran outdoorsman, Master Naturalist, and avid bird watcher Kevin Smith will lead youth in a hands-on workshop where they will learn about wild bird habitat, identification, bird structure, bird needs, and basic equipment.

There will also be a field experience where youth will have the opportunity to use binoculars to view and identify birds in their environment. This will include a walk over to the Fairgrounds.

Members enrolled in the Shooting Sports project can earn 4 wildlife hours, as part of the wildlife education requirement.

Cost is $5 per person. Please register in 4-H Online by October 30. Questions to Kris Vatter, [email protected].

10/10/2026

Join us for Virtual Statewide Minnesota 4-H Treasurer Trainings

Dates: Thursdays, November 5 & 19
Time: 6:30-7:30 pm, with a bonus session for adult treasurers on 11/19, from 7:30-8:00 pm
Audience: All youth treasurers, parents of youth treasurers, and any adult on 4-H bank accounts
Location: Zoom

Content: Financial best practices and policies, roles of the financial team, importance of youth treasurers, how to make roles meaningful, how to help treasurers develop financial management life skills, hands-on practice in completing our treasurer’s book, and tips for mentoring and supporting youth treasurers.

Register at https://z.umn.edu/4HTreasurerTraining

10/09/2026

Did you know that Dakota County has the largest 4-H program in the state of Minnesota?

We have 3,608 youth and adults involved in project learning, after school learning, camps, day camps, and Youth Teaching Youth school programs and it's because of the amazing people involved.

4-H has a rich history and is always evolving and creating to meet the needs of youth today. The people enrolled in 4-H are the future leaders of schools, business, government, families and communities. It's a great place to start.

Contact [email protected] for more information on how to join.

10/08/2026

Thankful Thursday is here! Today, we’re celebrating the incredible volunteers, educators, mentors, and leaders who make [county] 4-H stronger every
day. Their encouragement, guidance, and support help young
people build confidence, discover new passions, and become
.

10/07/2026

For over 80 years, the 4-H Building has been the heart of MInnesota 4-H at the Minnesota State Fair. That building hasn’t kept pace with the evolving needs of our youth - who are engaging in new, exciting and complex activities and projects.

We’re embarking on a campaign to renovate the building so it’s ready for today’s youth and future generations - from new learning zones in the building so youth can take their learning back to their communities in new ways to overnight summer camps. Learn more about the renovation and how you can donate to make it happen at z.umn.edu/Futureof4H.

Address

4100 220th Street W Ste 101
Farmington, MN
55024

Telephone

(651) 480-7700

Website

http://www3.extension.umn.edu/county/dakota/4-h

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