Extension in Dakota County

U of M Extension, Dakota County
[email protected]

4100 220^th 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

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. 

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 4-H 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.  

• Dakota County 4-H club information

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.

• Family 4-H county membership dues form

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?

• What is a 4-H project?
• 4-H project timeline example

Register for a 4-H event

• 4-H Online event registration

Become a Dakota County 4-H volunteer

• Apply to become a 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.

4-H Project Guide

Request information on 4-H

Contact us now!

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

Apply to become a 4-H volunteer

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.

• July 3, 2025
• June 27, 2025
• June 20, 2025
• June 13, 2025
• June 6, 2025
• May 30, 2025
• May 23, 2025
• May 16, 2025

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

• Volunteering with 4-H
• Leading a 4-H club

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

• Beef
• Dairy
• Goat
• Poultry
• Rabbit
• Sheep
• Swine

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.

Give today

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

Facebook

Instagram

Farmland rent information

• Farmland rental rates and information

Additional resources

• Private pesticide applicator resources
• Iowa Custom Rate Survey

• Animals and livestock
• Crop production
• Managing a farm

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.

Make a gift on the University of Minnesota giving page.

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] 

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.

Use the Real Life, Good Food website to find recipes, cooking tips and physical activity ideas for a healthier life.

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.