Extension in Dakota County

There are several ways to join or re-enroll in 4-H.

• Join 4-H for the first time or re-enroll
• Enroll as an independent member

The 2021 Dakota County Fair is August 9-15 at the Dakota County Fairgrounds in Farmington.  

County Fair Resources

4-H County Fair Club Exhibit Registration Form

Dakota County 4-H Clothing judging information

2021 4-H Animal Science Judging & Events Schedule

Dairy Genetics Form - due July 26

Dairy Production Form - due July 26

Oversized Exhibit Form

Special Consideration Form

Dakota County 4-H Family Membership Dues Form

4-H Online 2.0 animal ID'ing

Dakota County adult volunteer screening information and application

Hampton Gun Club Release of Liability form

Weekly communication sent to families filled with learning opportunities and resources.

March 26, 2021

April 2, 2021

April 9, 2021

April  16, 2021

April 23, 2021

April 30, 2021

May 7, 2021

May 14, 2021

May 21, 2021

May 28, 2021

June 4, 2021

June 11, 2021

June 18, 2021

June 25, 2021

Livestock and animal projects

You will find the animal science information for Dakota County here as it becomes available.

• 4-H animal science projects - MN 4-H animal science page
• 4-H animal ID - MN 4-H animal ID page
• Leasing a 4-H animal - MN 4-H animal lease information and form
• Tip sheet for using 4-H Online for ID'ing animals

• Ear tag order for Dakota County 4-H - due May 3
• Dakota County 4-H Animal ID letter for beef, dairy, goat, rabbit, poultry, sheep and swine
• How to Read Ear Notches of Pigs
• Market Sheep & Goat weigh in sign-up

Animal Science Help Guides

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

Dog Project Information

• Dog training registration - training begins first Monday in May
• Dog training schedule
• Dakota County 4-H Dog ID letter
• Minnesota 4-H Dog Project

Dog Training weekly sign-up links below

EACH WEEK, 4-H members are to sign-up indicating their attendance at dog training.  Please sign-up by Sunday evening to participate in Monday night training classes.

• Monday, June 14 dog training class sign-up
• Monday,  June 21 dog training class sign-up
• Monday, June 28 dog training class sign-up
• Monday, July 5 - NO dog training class
• Monday, July 12 dog training class sign-up
• Monday, July 19 dog training class sign-up
• Monday, July 26 dog training class sign-up

Horse project information

• Dakota County 4-H Horse and Horseless Horse calendar
• Dakota County 4-H Horse ID information
• Dakota County 4-H Horse Camp - Postponed to Oct. 16
• Minnesota State 4-H Horse project

Rabbit Agility

• Rabbit Agility Information, Schedule and Participant Form

Static (general) project 

Shooting Sports & Wildlife

• Wildlife opportunities
• SS&W range schedule

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!

Clubs

Dakota County has more than 22 active 4-H clubs.  To learn more, contact Dakota County 4-H staff.

Gifts support 4-H youth development in Dakota County, and local programming coordinated by the Dakota County 4-H Council.

Give today

Abby Wagner, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
torg0016@umn.edu, 651-480-7752

Anja Johnson, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
akoester@umn.edu, 651-480-7758

Kirsten Pederson, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
kapeders@umn.edu, 651-480-7722

Rachel Rezac, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
reza0027@umn.edu,651-480-7754

Cherie Frandrup, Executive administrative assistant
frand004@umn.edu, 651-480-7702

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

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.  More than 130 Dakota County residents are University of Minnesota Extension-trained and volunteer thousands of hours each year.

• 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

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 answer@iastate.edu 

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. 

If you would like us to contact you when the applications for the 2022 Master Gardener class are available, complete this form.

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.

U of M Extension, Dakota County
mnext-dakota@umn.edu

4100 220^th St. West, Suite 101
Farmington, MN 55024

Phone: 651-480-7700
Fax: 651-480-7794

View all Dakota County contacts.

Abby Wagner, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
torg0016@umn.edu, 651-480-7752

Anja Johnson, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
akoester@umn.edu ,651-480-7758

Kirsten Pederson, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
kapeders@umn.edu, 651-480-7722

Rachel Rezac, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
reza0027@umn.edu,651-480-7754

Cherie Frandrup, Executive administrative assistant
frand004@umn.edu, 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.