Extension is expanding its online education and resources to adapt to COVID-19 restrictions.
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.
4-H
There are several ways to join or re-enroll in 4-H.
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.
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.
Weekly communication sent to families filled with learning opportunities and resources.
Gifts support 4-H youth development in Dakota County, and local programming coordinated by the Dakota County 4-H Council.
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
kapers@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
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
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.
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.
- 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.
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.
Dakota County Extension
U of M Extension, Dakota County
mnext-dakota@umn.edu
4100 220th 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
kapers@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
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.