Whiz Kid: 4-H'er Raises Goat, Hopes for Shot at National Show

Patch Whiz Kid of the Week: Sarah Betz

Nominator: Joyce Betz

Whiz Kid's Age: 8 years old

Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness: Just a kid, Sarah has raised a "kid" of her own—of the goat kind, of course. Through Forest View Farm Silver Spurs 4-H club, Sarah has taken the goat "Wizard" under her wing, as she learns the responsibilities needed to care for another creature.

Sarah learned last week that a photo of her and her beloved goat has been chosen for a contest through the National Goat Expo in Des Moines, IA in October of 2012.

Voting is online, open to everyone and ends May 31. If Sarah wins the contest, she will win one free registration for one goat, to one sanctioned show or 4-H show event. This will allow Sarah to compete in the National 4-H goat expo against other 4-H members from across the country.

"She's pretty geeked up about it," said her mom, Joyce Betz.

There are nine 4-H members who care for their own goats through 4-H, Betz said. If Sarah makes it to the competition, she hopes they're able to take the other eight along to watch the show. Caring for goats is a lot of work, Betz said, and the members are devoted to giving their goats the best care possible.

"They make all the work worth it," Betz said.