She's a state champ . . . for 3rd time

A member of the ROWVA FFA became a three-time Junior Wether Show winner Aug. 13 at the Illinois State Fair.

Sarah DeSchepper, 17, Altona, earned the distinction when her entry, Pop a Top, was named 2010 Grand Champion. DeSchepper, also a member of the Cloverleaf 4-H Club, showed the grand champion wether in 2009 and 2006.

Her lamb fetched $7,500 in last year’s Sale of Champions. She is saving her winnings for college.

DeSchepper has been showing lambs for 10 years now and in addition to the three state fair grand champions, has raised four Land of Lincoln Grand Champions, and one reserve grand champion.

“When I started 4-H, I decided pigs were too smelly and cattle were too big – sheep seemed like the perfect fit,” DeSchepper said.

She currently serves as the Section Four FFA president and the ROWVA FFA Chapter’s vice president.

DeSchepper is the daughter of Beth and Rich DeSchepper of Altona.