Grand Champions are continuing to spring up in Sweet Springs, as Cole Murphy has become the third member of Sweet Springs FFA to book a spot in the Missouri State Fair’s Sale of Champions.

Murphy led his 281-pound dark crossbred barrow to Grand Champion honors Friday afternoon in the swine barn. He tells KMMO News that his barrow didn’t immediately stand out as a potential champion when he first bought him earlier this year.

Murphy says winning top honors in his final year of eligibility is bittersweet, especially as he’ll join his brother Ty in the Sale of Champions.

Murphy also joins fellow Sweet Springs FFA member Jillian Vogelsmeier in the sale, after her lamb earned Grand Champion honors Thursday. Murphy comments on the chapter’s recent successes.

Kade Jackson of Lathrop had the Reserve Grand Champion barrow, a dark crossbred weighing 275 pounds.

The Sale of Champions will take place August 17th at 1:30 p.m. in the Lowell Mohler Assembly Hall. The 122nd Missouri State Fair continues through August 18th in Sedalia.