
Extension in Dakota County

Welcome to Dakota County
Dakota County partners with Extension to deliver practical education and research you can use at home, at work and in your community.
Contact
[email protected] or 651-480-7700
Dakota County Extension office
U of M Extension, Dakota County
[email protected]
4100 220th St. West, Suite 101
Farmington, MN 55024
Phone: 651-480-7700
Fax: 651-480-7794
Office hours
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (by appointment is preferred)
View all Dakota County contacts.
Jessica Beissel, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
[email protected], 651-480-7752
Kirsten Pederson, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
[email protected], 651-480-7722
Rachel Rezac, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
[email protected],651-480-7754
Kris Vatter, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
[email protected], 651-480-7758
Cherie Frandrup, Executive administrative assistant
[email protected], 651-480-7702
Dakota County events
View all events hosted in and near Dakota County.
Extension courses and events
Extension provides in-person and online educational events all over Minnesota. Find one to attend.
Dakota County news
Read all news from Dakota County.
Extension wide news
Read the latest news from all of Extension's programs.
Extension brings Minnesotans together to build a better future through University science-based knowledge, expertise and training. Learn more about Extension by visiting our about page and by browsing this website.
Dakota County 4-H
Interested in learning more about 4-H?
- Contact our 4-H staff to learn more, including how to get started in 4-H.
Ready to join or re-enroll?
Join Dakota County 4-H
4-H has something for everyone! 4-H is for youth in grades Kindergarten through one year past high school. The primary way that youth get involved in 4-H is through community clubs.
4-H enrollment period is Oct. 1 through May 15. You can enroll in 4-H at any time however, some events require enrollment before May 15 to participate. The sooner you enroll, the better so you don't miss any important communication or events. May 15 is also the deadline that all animals must be identified in your 4-H Online family profile, to participate in county fair shows. February 18 is the ID deadline for market beef, so youth must be enrolled in 4-H Online and market beef animals must be IDd in 4-H Online by Feb. 18.
Events such as the county fair and the Minnesota State Fair require member enrollment before May 15.
4-H members must enroll/re-enroll each year through 4-H Online.
- 4-H Online 2.0 enrollment guide for families
- New to 4-H? Go to page 2 to enroll as a new member.
- What is Minnesota 4-H?
Find a 4-H club in Dakota County
The Dakota County 4-H club information sheet has detailed information about our clubs. Choose a club that works best for your family's schedule so you can get the most out of your 4-H experience.
Membership dues
Annual county 4-H membership dues are $25/member. Families complete the Family Membership Dues Form and submit it with payment directly to the Dakota County Extension Office, 4100 220th St. West, #101, Farmington, MN 55024. Membership dues should be paid when you enroll in 4-H Online. Scholarships are available for membership dues.
4-H communication
All 4-H communication is through email. Watch your inbox for our Friday Forecast weekly update about upcoming program offerings. Please check this page and your email often for information on current 4-H events and deadlines in Dakota County.
What is a 4-H project?
Register for a 4-H event
Become a Dakota County 4-H volunteer
What is 4-H?
4-H is an out-of-school, hands-on learning program for people grades Kindergarten through one year past high school. Youth choose a project that’s interesting to them and explore it with peers and caring adults. 4-H clubs are groups of youth who want to learn together and meet in every part of Minnesota. Dakota County has a 15 community clubs to choose from.
The 4-H year is October 1 through September 30.
What can I do in 4-H?
The sky’s the limit! 4-H offers learning experiences in science, photography, agriculture, healthy living, civic engagement and much more. We have one-day events, year-long projects and everything in between. There are many ways to try 4-H.
Minnesota 4-H Projects
4-H is all about project-based learning. What are you into? From animal science to creative arts, and more, there's something for everyone. Choose something that interests you and dive in. Watch this video about what a 4-H project is to learn more.
Request information on 4-H
Dakota County 4-H club information
How do I join 4-H?
Review the club information list to learn more about clubs in your area. Contact club leaders for specific club details. Visit a club meeting or two to see if the club is a good fit for your family. Become a 4-H member to open up a host of resources and opportunities such as showcase and judging experiences, scholarships, leadership trips and more.
Youth need to register through 4-H Online, our online registration database.
4-H Pledge
“I pledge my Head to clearer thinking, my Heart to greater loyalty, my Hands to larger service, and my Health to better living, for my family, my club, my community, my country, and my world.”
The 4-H's
- The Head is to signify clearer thinking.
- The Heart is to signify greater loyalty.
- The Hands are to signify larger service.
- The Health is to signify better living.
4-H Motto
“To make the best better.”
Volunteer with 4-H
The 2025 Dakota County Fair is August 4-10 at the Dakota County Fairgrounds in Farmington.
County Fair registration
County fair exhibit registration is open! Registration is completed using FairEntry.com. Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, July 7, 2025. Review the FairEntry user guides and tutorials for more details.
Club Exhibit Registration Form and exhibit descriptions - 2025; clubs leaders should submit by July 7 deadline.
Premium Book
Dakota County 4-H Premium Book - 2025
County Fair resources from Minnesota 4-H
Support Dakota County 4-H at the fair
Contact 4-H staff at [email protected] for information on supporting 4-H at the Dakota County Fair. Donation opportunities include:
- County fair 4-H champion awards
- 4-H Livestock Auction
- Blue Ribbon Dairy Fund
Volunteering at the Fair
- General Exhibit Judging Day/Judges Assistants Volunteer sign-up - Saturday, August 2, 2025
- 4-H Barn Malt Stand sign-up - 2025
- 4-H Dining Hall sign-up - 2025
- 4-H Volunteer Screening application
County Fair registration
County fair exhibit registration is completed using FairEntry.com. Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, July 7, 2025. Review the FairEntry user guides and tutorials for more details.
Club Exhibit Registration Form and exhibit descriptions - 2025; clubs leaders should submit by July 7 deadline.
SignUp Genius links for Pre-Fair Judging
- Photography judging sign-up - judging July 23, 2025
- Video/Filmmaking, Computer and Robotics judging sign-up - judging July 23, 2025
- Food Revue judging sign-up - judging July 23, 2025
- Public Presentation (demonstrations) judging sign-up - judging July 23, 2025
- Interactive Demonstration judging sign-up - judging Aug. 7, 2025
- Livestock and Horse demonstration sign-up - judging Aug. 5 & Aug. 7, 2025
County Fair Resources
- General Projects Judging Details - Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025; 4-H Building on the Dakota County Fairgrounds
- Dakota County 4-H Clothing Judging information letter - 2025; Clothing Judging - July 30, 2025
- Accommodations Request Form - due July 7, 2025
- Oversized Exhibit Request Form - due July 7, 2025
- 4-H Projects to Bring to the County and State Fairs - revised 2022
- Preparing Youth for 4-H Conference Judging
- 4-H Competitive Events: Absentee Judging of Projects at County Fair
- 4-H Competitive Events: Judging Experiences for Youth with Disabilities or Injuries
- Preparing Parents for Conference Judging
- 4-H policies
- Minnesota 4-H project evaluation / judging criteria sheets
- Helpful hints when preparing for the fair
Animal Science/Livestock Fair Resources
- Livestock pre-fair letter (beef, dairy, goat, horse, llama, poultry, rabbit, sheep, swine) - 2024
- Dairy production and genetics forms - due July 28, 2025 at Animal Science Night
- IAFE (International Association of Fairs and Expositions) Code of Show Ring Ethics
- 4-H animal science projects
- Board of Animal Health requirements - 2025
Horse
- Horse County Fair Registration letter - 2025
- Horse t-shirt order (optional) - DUE July 7, 2025
- Horse Stalling Intentions for county fair - DUE July 7, 2025
- Horse Fair Volunteer Shift sign-up - 2025
- Horse Fair Color Guard sign-up - 2025
- Dakota County 4-H Horse Project Handbook - 2025
Camping at the Dakota County Fairgrounds during the county fair
Dakota County Fair camping application - due July 20, 2024
Dakota County Fair camping map - 2024
Dakota County 4-H Auction - Saturday, August 9, 2025 at 10 a.m.
Dakota County 4-H Auction Program
2025 State Event Results
State Fair Results and Photos
State Shooting Sports and Wildlife Invitational
State Horse Show
State Dog Show
General Exhibit (non-livestock) state fair line-up
Youth who have completed 6th grade, who enrolled and registered for the fair by the respective deadlines, can be eligible.
State Fair Line-up for General Exhibits & Public Presentations - Click link to access the state fair line-up. Action required if you are on the list.
EMAIL 4-H staff to accept or decline your state fair trips. You MUST notify 4-H staff that you plan to accept (or decline) your trip no later than Noon on Friday, August 9, 2024. Kris Vatter: [email protected]; Rachel Rezac: [email protected]
Livestock Show Programs
Goat Show Program
Beef Cow/Calf & Prospect Calf Show Program
Beef - Market Beef & Breeding Heifer Show Program
Rabbit Show Program
Poultry Show Program
Sheep Show Program
Swine Show Program
Weekly communication sent to families filled with learning opportunities and resources.
General 4-H Information
- Dakota County 4-H Scholarship Details - Eligibility, Guidelines, Scholarship Amount - 2024-25
- Dakota County 4-H Year Scholarship Request Form - 2024-25
- Dakota County 4-H Member Dues Form - 2025
- Dakota County - 4-H Competitive Events: Deadlines, Consequences and Exemptions- 2025
Animal Science information
- 4-H Online 2.0 animal ID'ing
- Minnesota 4-H Animal Science Updates for 2025
- Minnesota 4-H Animal Science identification requirements - 2025
4-H volunteer resources
4-H events in Dakota County
Attend a 4-H event near you.
All 4-H events
Find a 4-H event in Minnesota.
4-H news in Dakota County
Stay informed about all that is happening in Dakota County 4-H.
Statewide 4-H news
Learn more about what is happening in Minnesota 4-H.
Livestock and animal projects
You will find the animal science information for Dakota County here as it becomes available.
- 4-H Beef Identification Requirements - NEW for 2025
- Dakota County Animal ID letter & Ear Tag Order - 2024
- Dakota County Horse ID letter - 2025
- Dakota County Dog ID letter - 2025
- 4-H animal science projects - species specific information sheets - 2025
- 4-H animal ID - MN 4-H animal ID pages - 2025
- Minnesota 4-H Animal Science identification requirements - 2025
- Minnesota 4-H AnSci Updates for 2025
- Leasing a 4-H animal
- How to Read Ear Notches of Pigs
- Animal ID'ing in 4-H Online user guide
Animal science help guides
Dog project information
- Minnesota 4-H Dog information sheet - 2025
- Minnesota 4-H Dog Project ID - 2025 (Dog ID Affidavit and Vaccination Verification Form)
- Dakota County 4-H Dog Project Handbook - 2025
- Minnesota 4-H Dog Project website
- Aggressive Dog Policy
Dog training class information
- Dog Training Class Information and Registration Form - 2025
- Dog Training Schedule - weekly training held on Mondays, beginning May 5, 2025
Horse project information
- Minnesota State 4-H Horse project
- Dakota County 4-H Horse Project Handbook - 2025
- Minnesota 4-H Horse Program Rule Book - 2025
Horseless Horse project information
- Horseless Horse Project - Level 1 Booklet
- Horseless Horse Project - Level 2 Booklet
- Horseless Horse Mentor Horse ID Form and Lease
Rabbit agility
- Rabbit Agility & Rabbit Judging Team Practice Information, Schedule and Participant Form - 2025
General projects
Shooting Sports & Wildlife
- Wildlife opportunities
4-H Youth Development is a hands-on learning program for Minnesota youth. We offer online, small group and independent learning experiences for youth of all ages. In 4-H, youth choose the topic they find interesting and caring adults support their learning and leadership. From agronomy to space exploration and creative arts to outdoor adventures, 4-H has just the right learning experience for young people.
There are many ways to participate in 4-H!
Dakota County clubs
Dakota County has 15 active 4-H clubs. To learn more, contact Dakota County 4-H staff.
Volunteer with 4-H - Apply to become a 4-H volunteer
Gifts support 4-H youth development in Dakota County, and local programming coordinated by the Dakota County 4-H Council.
Jessica Beissel, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
[email protected], 651-480-7752
Kirsten Pederson, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
[email protected], 651-480-7722
Rachel Rezac, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
[email protected],651-480-7754
Kris Vatter, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
[email protected], 651-480-7758
Cherie Frandrup, Executive administrative assistant
[email protected], 651-480-7702
Dakota County 4-H general contact information
[email protected], 651-480-7700
Visit Dakota County 4-H on social media
Agriculture
Agriculture events in Dakota County
Attend an agriculture-related event near you.
Statewide agriculture events
Agriculture conferences, in-person events and online courses are offered all year around the state.
Agriculture news in Dakota County
Find the latest on Extension agricultural research and news you can use on your farm from local experts.
Statewide news and blogs
- Agricultural Business Management News - Business and financial resources for farmers.
- Beef News - Beef industry featured events, farm safety and animal health.
- Dairy News - Dairy industry featured events, farm safety and animal health.
- Fruit and Vegetable News - Local production and marketing of fruit and vegetable crops in Minnesota.
- Minnesota Crop News - Emerging issues affecting Minnesota row crops and forages.
Farmland rent information
Additional resources
Gardening
Become a Dakota County Master Gardener
If you have a love of gardening, a desire for learning and a will to share your knowledge with others, consider becoming a University of Minnesota Master Gardener in Dakota County.
Master Gardener applications are due Oct. 1 of the current year.
Complete the Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program online application form.
About the program
Master Gardeners are committed to providing the highest quality, research-based horticultural information and educational activities that enhance our community's environment and quality of life.
The mission of the Dakota County Extension Master Gardener program is to educate and assist the public by answering questions and solving problems about horticulture and related environmental topics. Close to 190 Dakota County residents are University of Minnesota Extension-trained and volunteer thousands of hours each year as Master Gardeners.
The program is an outreach activity of the University of Minnesota. The focus for volunteers is to be of service in local communities and share research-based gardening and horticultural information throughout Minnesota. The Master Gardener Volunteer Program strives to recruit a diverse group of volunteers who reflect the communities in which they live.
Gifts support local programming coordinated by Dakota County Master Gardener volunteers.
Gardening events in Dakota County
You can also learn more about upcoming events and classes on the Dakota County Master Gardener website.
Statewide gardening events
Find out about the Master Gardener Volunteer core course or attend other events offered throughout the year.
The Dakota County Master Gardeners host an annual "Plant Sale" in May. Rain or shine!
When: May 17, 2025; 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Where: Western Service Center, 14955 Galaxie Ave., Apple Valley (NOTE new location for 2025)
Plan to gather your gardening friends and bring a box or wagon to bring home healthy, Minnesota-grown plants at reasonable prices!
Shop our wide variety of sun and shade perennials, natives, and woodland plants, grasses, ground covers, and other landscape plants, along with herb and veggie plants, too.
Plant Sale buyers are encouraged to bring boxes and wagons and to arrive early for the best selection.
Proceeds support University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener programs in Dakota County, including offering education for all ages, growing produce for local food shelves, increasing habitat for pollinators, and more.
Dakota County Master Gardeners will also accept any one-gallon plastic pots to recycle.
Let's Get Growing is an event for home gardeners of all skill levels looking to learn more and have a great time. This event includes interesting and informative classes on a wide variety of gardening topics, morning refreshments, silent auction, lunch and a chance to win door prizes too. Classes are taught by University of Minnesota Master Gardeners as well as horticulture professionals.
Join us for a day of education and fun on Saturday, March 1, 2025 - 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Eagan Community Center in Eagan. (NOTE new location for 2025)
Come to enjoy friendly people, a garden marketplace where you can peruse and purchase books, garden decor and more (cash and check only please) and a spring-time atmosphere! Pre-registration required.
Choose from these tantalizing topics:
- Lillies to Love
- Beginner's Guide: Vegetables and Herbs
- Bee Lawns
- Trees for Sustainability
- Growing Lavender in Minnesota
- Houseplants
- Stone Sculpture in Your Garden
- Full Shade Gardening-Edible Natives
- Fruit You Can Grow in a Small Garden
- The Dirt on Soil
Keynote Speaker is Derek Carwood. Based in the Twin Cities, Derek Carwood has been involved in horticulture and creating sustainable landscapes for over 30 years. He has experience working in both the United States and abroad. In his presentation, “A New Paradigm for Pollinators,” Derek Carwood shares his innovative approach to designing a garden that not only supplies food for pollinators but also establishes a robust habitat.
More information about the speakers and their topics can be found on the Dakota County Master Gardener webpage.
Visit the for a complete schedule, workshop descriptions and registration information for Let's Get Growing.
- Ask a Master Gardener to get your yard and garden questions by email or over the phone.
- Find resources on the yard and garden pages.
- Learn about being a Master Gardener volunteer
- Master Naturalist volunteers work in your community
- Yard and Garden News
Do you have additional questions relating to canning, freezing, and preserving?
Contact the AnswerLine at 1-800-854-1678, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 12 noon and 1-4 p.m., or email them at [email protected]
Health and nutrition
Extension offers a variety of educational programs about nutrition and health in Dakota County. These programs are open to families and individuals of all ages who are eligible for benefits through the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or who meet Extension’s program income guidelines.
Programs are offered in community settings such as food shelves, schools, community centers and public housing sites. The programs are free to all individuals and families who meet income guidelines, and may be offered in multiple languages, depending on the audience needs and availability of educators.
Health and nutrition events in Dakota County
Learn more about staying healthy and eating well.
Statewide health and nutrition events
Join Extension educators and community partners in events that encourage health, wellbeing and good nutrition.
Health and nutrition news in Dakota County
Stay up to date with our health and nutrition news.
Family News
Find information that helps families make informed decisions leading to better health and wellbeing.
Use the Real Life, Good Food website to find recipes, cooking tips and physical activity ideas for a healthier life.
Sustainable communities
Extension engages Minnesotans to strengthen the social, civic, economic and technological capacity of their communities. We help create vibrant communities and enhance skills and knowledge in economics, leadership and civic engagement, and tourism.
Check our community research page for reports on county and community-focused topics relating to local economics, retaining businesses, growing retail markets, developing tourism, and more.
Local programs can be offered in collaboration with local community organizations and government agencies. Current programs include:
- Growing Local: Northfield Emerging Leaders Program
- Minnesota Agricultural and Rural Leadership (MARL)
Contact an educator in your area for consultation, guidance and conversation about your community.
Minnesota is a great place to explore, understand and conserve the natural landscape. Extension education, volunteer and participatory science programs encourage people to become stewards of Minnesota’s public and private lands.
Volunteer. Natural resources volunteers track invasive species, detect forest pests and count native bees, among many other activities. You can also study to become a Minnesota Master Naturalist.
Statewide community development events
Join us at an event in your community.
Statewide natural resources events
Find opportunities to learn about the natural environment, how to care for your forest lands, and how you and your family can get out and explore nature around the state and in your own backyard.
Community development news
Find information on community-focused news.
My Minnesota Woods
Find out how to take care of your trees and enjoy Minnesota's beautiful woodlands.
Natural Resources News
From preserving our wetlands to combating invasive species, read about protecting and enjoying nature.
RSDP Happenings
Learn more about community-driven sustainability projects happening across Minnesota.