Friday Forecast 10/2/2026
Dakota County 4-H Weekly Newsletter
Get ready for National 4-H Week - Oct. 4-10
Lift up the voice of 4-H and share its story of positive youth development. Use these theme days in your social media feeds to encourage recruitment as we kick off the new 4-H year.
Monday: Wear green and post about favorite 4-H projects and memories
Throwback Tuesday: Alumni - share your 4-H photos and create a collage post showing 'how it started' and 'how it's going' or “Once a 4-H’er, always a 4-H’er”.
Wednesday: Highlight the 4-H Building campaign, particularly why a renovated 4-H Building at the Minnesota State Fair will help prepare youth for their futures in new ways including learning zones and summer camps.
Thankful Thursday: Help us shine a light on all the good that 4-H does! A day to recognize all 4-H'ers who are doing good and making a positive impact by helping their communities and beyond. Share your own story or celebrate someone who is making a difference - another 4-H'er, volunteer or educator.
Friday: "Did you know?" Feature a unique aspect of your project, club, or highlight a little known aspect about 4-H.
Contact Kris Vatter at kvatter@umn.edu for more information, templates, hashtags, etc.
Now is the time to start planning your 2027 plant science projects
While we’re still in the middle of the 2026 Minnesota State Fair, it might be hard to think about next year—but believe it or not, now is a great time to start planning your 2027 plant science project! Some plant science projects require planning well before the next fair, especially projects that involve selecting samples, growing crops, or collecting data during the fall, winter, or spring. Start thinking ahead now! Pay attention to what you see growing around you, talk with farmers, and consider what crops or plant science topics spark your curiosity. Don’t live on a farm? No worries! Connect with a local farmer, garden center, greenhouse, or other agriculture professional. Ask questions, build relationships, and learn firsthand how plants are grown. Not sure where to start?
The Minnesota 4-H plant science handbook and plant science project resource guide are great places to find project ideas, requirements, and inspiration. You can also visit the 4-H plant science web page for additional resources, activities, and opportunities throughout the year. So, while you’re enjoying the state fair and celebrating this year’s accomplishments, keep 2027 in the back of your mind. A little planning now can help your next plant science project take root and grow into something amazing. Start thinking, start planning, and start growing your 2027 plant science project!
Eighteen youth participated in the 2026 MN 4-H State Shooting Sports Invitationa.
Congratulations to MN 4-H State Shooting Sports & Wildlife participants: Tayen B, Mia B, Dylan B, Tyson C, William C, Charles F, Wyatt F, Garrett F, Evangeline J, Rowan M, Finnley O, Fiona O, Michael P, Bria R, Kylie R, Madeline S, William S, Charles U.
The team also earned 5th place and a $100 cash prize for their conservation exhibit featuring Copper in the Boundary Waters. Every county is required to complete an educational exhibit that is presented for judging at the state shoot.
Congratulations to our MN 4-H State Horse Show participants
Congratulations to all the 4-H'ers that participated in the Minnesota 4-H State Horse Show last weekend. Some highlights include:
Madelyn D., Champion Intermediate interview
Ali M., Champion Senior Interview finalist, 7th in both Barrels and Key Race, Grade 13
Kathryn F., 2nd in Hunt Seat Pleasure, 2nd in Western Pleasure, and 6th in Western Horsemanship, Grade 13
Ariella N., 4th in Horse Related Exhibits and 7th in Trail Class, Grade 8-9
Have a question? We're here to help!
Sometimes you have those, “How does that work?” or “What did I just do?” moments. If any of those moments revolve around 4-H, staff are happy to help. Please use the "I have a 4-H question form" anytime those moments come to mind.
Fun fall tote bag sewing workshop - Oct. 10; register by Oct. 2
In this beginning sewing workshop, youth 3rd grade and up will create a tote bag in fall or halloween fabrics. Participants will sew straight seams, follow a pattern, and take home a finished project.
The workshop is Saturday, October 10, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center in Farmington. Class taught by Mary Lemke.
Cost of the workshop is $10 and includes fabric kit. To hold your spot in class, mail payment to Dakota County 4-H, Attn: Fall tote, 4100 220th St W, Suite 101, Farmington, MN 55024. Contact 4-H staff to pay by credit card.
Youth should have beginner or higher sewing skills to be able to complete this project in the group setting. Youth grade 3-5 and inexperienced sewers need to bring an adult helper with to the workshop to assist. Sewing instruction and practice time on machines is 9 to 10 a.m. for very beginners or those who need practice. Those who don’t need a sewing refresher can arrive by 9:45 a.m. and should be set-up and ready to go by 10 a.m.
A limited number of sewing machines are available at the Extension Office to use at classes. If you don’t have a working sewing machine to bring, sign-up to borrow a sewing machine for class, when registering.
Register in 4HOnline under EVENTS by October 2.
Contact Kris Vatter, kvatter@umn.edu, with any questions.
Grade K-5: "Apple Antics" workshop - Oct. 24; must register by Oct. 16
Sign up to join the fun on Saturday, Oct. 24 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center in Farmington for this fall-themed workshop. Youth will make a craft and participate in other hands-on activities. The Cloverbud and Sprouts 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.
Participants must be enrolled in Kindergarten and at least 5 years of age as of Sept. 1 of the current year to enroll as a Cloverbud. Dakota County 4-H members are welcome to bring non-4-H friends (grade K-5) to workshops too!
All participants will register for the K-5 workshop in 4-H Online. Registration due Friday, Oct. 16. 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. Please note registration for this workshop will open up Friday, Sept. 18.
Additional K-5 workshops: Nov. 14, Dec. 5, Jan. 9, Feb. 27, April 17.
Questions regarding K-5 workshops can be directed to Rachel Rezac at 651-480-7754 or reza0027@umn.edu.
Dakota County 4-H Video Challenge
Youth, grades 3 and up, are invited to create a video to showcase how the 4-H program has impacted you. Videos can be up to 3 minutes in length and may be recorded on any type of device. Staff are issuing this challenge as the new 4-H year just gets underway, allowing you many events, workshops, and activities to include in the video prior to showcase judging in the summer of 2027.
Videos will be shown during the county fair in the 4-H building, shared on social media, and sent to stakeholders that support the program. As county funding decreases, it is more important than ever to show how the 4-H program makes a difference.
The general framework for the video includes incorporating these themes:
Head to Clearer Thinking: focus on youth development through leadership opportunities (ambi, personal growth through projects, camp leaders, executive and federation board)
Heart to Greater Loyalty: to the community (families who stay and become successful in their communities and give back) each other through mentorship of projects, multi age interaction
Hands to Larger Service: community service projects, ask clubs to reach out to their long time community partners to get quotes for how their clubs provider support (ex. Farmington nursing home clubs play bingo and provide social interaction or city parks we consistently clean up), agricultural awareness and education with ag ambi and lease program to city youth
Health to Better Living: mental health awareness through Blu break out groups and peer support and interactions, individual youth projects highlighting health awareness at the fair, shooting sports
Please contact Kirsten Pederson at kapeders@umn.edu with questions.
Leadership group for youth 6th grade and up: sign up to join the 2026-27 Dakota County 4-H Ambassador team
The Dakota County 4-H Ambassador program is open to youth in grades 6-13, who enjoy volunteering and working with younger members. The ambassador program is a great way to share your leadership skills while helping your community. It allows youth to take part in activities to help them become leaders and good citizens. A 4-H ambassador is an 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 K-5: Cloverbud and Sprouts activities, and promoting 4-H at various events throughout Dakota County.
Gatherings are scheduled before Federation at 6 p.m. For a list of tentative ambassador events scheduled, visit the 2026-27 Google Document. Additional activities and dates will be added once the group meets to discuss goals for the upcoming year. Please note: dates are subject to change and are dependent on meeting the minimum participation requirements. Parents and guardians are asked to help support the program to ensure compliance with the Safety of Minors policy.
To sign-up to participate in the 2026-27 Ambassador program, visit this Google Form.
If you have questions, contact Rachel at reza0027@umn.edu.
Minnesota 4-H Key Award applications 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!
Applications are due to the Dakota County Extension Office in Farmington by January 1.
Contact Jess Beissel with any questions at reed0324@umn.edu.