Friday Forecast 10/16/2026
Dakota County 4-H Weekly Newsletter
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
Annual club officer training - Nov. 23; register by Nov. 19
4-H club officer training is Monday, Nov. 23 from 6 to 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, 4100 220th St. West in 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 Nov. 19 to indicate which office youth represent and any food restrictions.
Contact Kris Vatter, kvatter@umn.edu. 651-480-7758 with questions.
4-H treasurer training - Nov. 5 & 19
All club treasurers, club leaders and volunteers who are connected to the clubs banking, should plan to attend this virtual statewide Minnesota 4-H Treasurer Training. This two part-series will not be offered locally.
The sessions will cover:
- 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
- Tips for mentoring and supporting youth treasurers
When: 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
Who: All youth treasurers, parents of youth treasurers, and any adult on 4-H bank accounts
Where: Zoom
Register at https://z.umn.edu/4HTreasurerTraining to receive Zoom link. Registration required.
See MN 4-H Treasurer Training page for more details.
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.
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.