Friday Forecast 10/9/2026
Dakota County 4-H Weekly Newsletter
Congratulations to new Minnesota State 4-H Ambassador Kushal B.
Kushal B. is a senior at Lakeville North High School and a MN 4-H State Ambassador representing Dakota County. He thinks 4-H is an amazing opportunity which has given him the opportunity to learn valuable skills such as public speaking and critical thinking while also connecting him to lots of unique experiences and people. The skills he has learned in 4-H have allowed him to excel in a variety of different activities ranging from debate to karate. It has allowed him to lead those in need of help and 4-H has allowed him to push for growth in almost every aspect of life. As far as plans after high school, Kushal hopes to become either an electrical/biomedical engineer or just a full blown doctor as he loves working with computers/data and also just loves helping people as a whole.
Since 1968, the Minnesota 4-H State Ambassador program has been the premier leadership experience for Minnesota 4-H members. Kushal joins the 30 youth who will comprise the 2026 - 2027 team in a 1-year term of leadership and service to 4-H and the youth and communities of Minnesota.
Kushal came to 4-H through the Youth Teaching Youth program in Dakota County.
Congratulations to Dakota County’s Jaeyln Holz for finishing her year of service as an Ambassador.
Poultry workshop topics survey - due Oct. 21
Dakota County 4-H poultry enthusiasts are encouraged to share their preferred workshop topics for 2027. Input from members helps shape content that enhance learning beyond the showring and provide practical skills for those involved in the poultry project. This feedback ensures workshops are engaging, relevant, and tailored to the needs of the 4-H members.
Fill out the workshop topics survey by Wed., Oct. 21.
Any questions regarding the survey can be directed to Rachel Rezac at reza0027@umn.edu.
Ready to put your 4-H knowledge to the test? Sign up to join a 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!
Learn more about project bowl.
Please fill out the interest form by Friday, Oct. 23rd if you would like to participate in one of the project bowl areas.
Questions? Contact Jess Beissel at reed0324@umn.edu
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!
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.
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.
Gr. 3+: Beginning birding workshop - Nov. 7; register by Oct. 30
On Nov. 7, 9 a.m. – Noon, starting at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center in Farmington, veteran outdoorsman, Master Naturalist, and avid bird watcher Kevin Smith will lead youth grade 3 and up in a hands-on workshop where they will learn about wild bird habitat, identification, bird structure, bird needs, and basic equipment. In addition to classroom time, there will 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. For members participating in the Shooting Sports project, this session will count for 4 wildlife hours, as part of the wildlife education requirement. Cost is $5 per person.
Register in 4-H Online (https://mn.4honline.com) by the Oct. 30 deadline.
Contact Kris at kvatter@umn.edu with questions.
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.
4-H Science Sprouts: Back by popular demand, with a new twist! Register by Oct. 15 to receive supply kit
Youth in grades 3 - 5 are invited to join 4-H Science Sprouts for three fun, 30-minute virtual plant science STEM adventures! Explore pumpkins, wheat, and indoor gardening through hands-on activities while connecting with youth from across Minnesota.
Virtual sessions will take place Oct. 26, Nov. 23 and Dec. 28 from 5:30 to 6 p.m. Registration is open throughout the program, so it’s never too late to join!
Youth registered by Oct. 15 will receive a special supply kit in the mail. Come curious. Get growing.
Explore plant science! Learn more and register.