Dakota County 4-H

06/01/2026

On Sunday, June 14, at 1 p.m. youth 3rd grade and up are invited to get their hands dirty and learn to plant like a pro! Youth will design and plant their own patio pot, then learn how to care for it so it keeps growing all season long.

The workshop costs $5 and will be held at the Farmington Greenhouse, 519 Willow St, Farmington. Please register in 4-H Online by June 10. Questions can be directed to Kris Vatter.

05/30/2026

Got a little dirty at the Falling Safely clinic today at Last Standing Ranch. Youth learned skills to help them when the inevitable event happens. Work on core strength at home!

05/30/2026

Congrats to our 2026 high school graduates!
Our next graduate is Jack C. who will be attending the Minneapolis Community and Technical College to study Cinema. Jack has been a dedicated 4-Her since Kindergarten, and has enjoyed his time in the dog, rabbit, crafts, and performing arts projects. He is also an active member of Farmington High School choir and theater, participating in many shows and concerts throughout his high school career. He is an academic and choir letter winner and is excited to combine his academic skill and love of the arts in his future studies at MCTC!

05/29/2026

Congrats to our 2026 high school graduates!
Our next graduate is Brayden S. who will be attending SDSU to study psychology and exercise science. Brayden has been a dedicated member of the Empire Rockets 4-H Club for 13 years. He has earned the prestigious 4-H Key Award, along with the Jacquie Devney Scholarship and the Dakota County Livestock Auction Scholarship. Throughout his time in 4-H, he has held club offices and supported numerous club and county youth leadership events. Brayden has shown sheep, pigs and goats and completed numerous non-livestock projects, with his favorites being aerospace, shop, crafts and fine arts. He has exhibited at the Minnesota State Fair every year, taking both livestock and static projects. Beyond his accomplishments, Brayden values the friendships he’s built through 4-H and will treasure the memories made during county fair and state fair livestock encampment with his friends.

05/29/2026

TODAY is the LAST DAY to sign up for the Raising Meat Rabbits Workshop: From First Steps to Growth

Join us for an engaging 4-H rabbit workshop featuring special guest presenter Tammy Pickar. This interactive session will explore a variety of meat rabbit breeds, highlighting the advantages and considerations of each. Participants will gain hands-on experience in evaluating rabbits and learning how to select quality animals with confidence.

Youth are encouraged to bring their own meat rabbits for guided, practical learning. If you have a Standard of Perfection, please bring it along as a helpful reference.

When: Saturday, May 30
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center, 4100 220th Street West in Farmington
Grades: 3rd and up
Register in 4-HOnline by May 29
Cost: Free

05/28/2026

Raising Meat Rabbits Workshop: From First Steps to Growth - May 30; register by May 29.

Join us for an engaging 4-H rabbit workshop featuring special guest presenter Tammy Pickar. This interactive session will explore a variety of meat rabbit breeds, highlighting the advantages and considerations of each. Participants will gain hands-on experience in evaluating rabbits and learning how to select quality animals with confidence.

Youth are encouraged to bring their own meat rabbits for guided, practical learning. If you have a Standard of Perfection, please bring it along as a helpful reference.

When: Saturday, May 30
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center, 4100 220th Street West in Farmington
Grades: 3rd and up
Register in 4-HOnline by May 29
Cost: Free

05/28/2026

Congrats to our 2026 high school graduates!
Our next graduate is Annalisa L. who is graduating from Northfield High School. She plans to continue her education at the University of Minnesota by studying finance. During high school she participated in golf, National Honor Society, 4H, FFA, and ballet. Her favorite memory of 4H was winning champion senior sheep showman in 2025.

05/27/2026

05/26/2026

Congrats to our 2026 high school graduates!
Our next graduate is Hailey F. who will be attending the University of Minnesota Duluth. Hailey is a key award recipient and currently working on the gold award for Girl Scouts while also being active in her high school's bowling team, student council, and NHS club along with other academic honors. She is interested in photography, music, and animals. She is committed to Duluth for the Biology Life Science Pre-vet program and hopes to attend Iowa State University afterwards for vet school.

05/25/2026

LAST DAY TO REGISTER - Dairy Workshop Opportunity: Show Day Starts at Home!

We are excited to announce an upcoming workshop. Participants will have the opportunity to tour the facility and learn more about the daily care, feeding, and management of show animals. This workshop is designed to provide valuable hands-on insight for youth and families interested in improving their knowledge and skills in animal care and show preparation.

When: Wednesday, May 27
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Where: Square Deal Dairy
Cost: Free
Age: 3rd & Up
Register: 4HOnline by May 25

We would appreciate your help in sharing this information with members and families who may be interested. We hope to see a great turnout for this educational and engaging event!

Questions? Contact Jess Beissel at [email protected]