Friday Forecast 11/6/2026
Dakota County 4-H Weekly Newsletter
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.
Volunteer with Project Bowl in 2027
Do you have an interest in dairy, dog, general livestock, horse, llama-alpaca, poultry, rabbit, or in Project Bowl in general? Or do you know someone who does? The Minnesota 4-H Project Bowl program is looking for adult volunteers to support this year’s activities! Whether you are interested in a volunteer role at the regional or state contests or would like to connect with a county program, we’d love to hear from you!
Complete this volunteer interest form to learn more about opportunities to get involved with Minnesota 4-H Project Bowl.
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: "Animal Exploration" K-5 Workshop - Nov. 14; must register by Nov. 10
Sign up to join the fun on Saturday, Nov. 14 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center in Farmington for this animal-themed workshop. Youth will meet animal friends, make a craft, learn about farm-to-table food sourcing, and participate in other hands-on activities.
The K-5 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.
All participants will register for the cloverbud workshop in 4-H Online. Registration due Tues., Nov. 10. 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.
Additional K-5 workshops: 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+: Simple table runner sewing workshop - Nov. 21; register by Nov. 13
In this beginner sewing workshop, youth grade 3 and up will create a simple table runner. You will sew straight seams, follow a pattern, hand-sew, and take home a finished project.
Workshop is Nov. 21, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center in Farmington. Class taught by Mary Lemke. Youth should have beginning or more sewing skills to be able to complete this project in the group setting. Sewing helpers should plan to assist. 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.
Register by Nov. 13. Cost is $10. Payments holds your spot in class, card payment link provided at registration. Fabric kit provided.
Contact Kris Vatter, kvatter@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.
National 4-H Conference - April 9-14; applications due Nov. 22
The National 4-H Conference is the pinnacle experience in 4-H civic engagement, providing an opportunity for youth to connect, learn, engage, lead, and impact their communities, their nation, and their world. Bringing hundreds of 4-H’ers to the nation’s capital each spring, National 4-H Conference is the flagship youth development opportunity of USDA, hosted by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). At the invitation of the US Secretary of Agriculture, this event brings together youth, volunteer leaders, and state and county Extension staff from across the US, US territories, tribal nations, and the Canadian provinces to provide recommendations and insight to national 4-H decision-makers and federal departments and agencies. Youth delegates engage in roundtable discussions, visit with Members of Congress, and connect with other teen leaders interested in making a difference in their communities.
This experience includes a competitive application and is open to all Minnesota 4-H youth leaders currently in grades 10-12 who are interested in civic engagement and leadership development, at the local and national level, and who have demonstrated leadership in 4-H and/or their local community.
There are funds available locally, to support participation. Reach out to Randi Schwartz at schw1553@umn.edu for more information.
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 series (back by popular demand!) with a new twist continues
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. Come curious. Get growing.
Virtual sessions will take place 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 must pre-register in 4-H Online (https://mn.4honline.com) to receive Zoom link.
Growing Minds, Growing Skills Academy: Super Sitters virtual series starts Nov. 16
Calling all aspiring babysitters! Do you know what it takes to be a Superhero in babysitting? Join us and find out. We will cover the basics of child care, ages and stages of development, basic first aid, and how to promote your new upcoming babysitting business. This training will be coming to you, virtually, on the following dates in November: November 16, 17, 23, and 24, from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM. This program is open to youth in 4th grade and up.
Deadline to register is November 16th through 4-H Online - https://mn.4honline.com.
Any questions, please feel free to contact Stacy Johnson at atskjohnso@umn.edu or Suzanne Souza at souza004@umn.edu.