The country ham has been a food tradition in Kentucky and throughout the southeast for hundreds of years.  The Kentucky 4-H Country Ham project continues the tradition of the country ham.  The project began in the late 1990’s with less than 40 4-Hers to currently over 775 4-Hers from greater than 65 Kentucky counties.  The project begins in the cold winter months of January and ends in August at the Kentucky State Fair, where the hams are judged by members of the Kentucky Country Ham Producers and the students present a 3 to 5 minute speech on the project.  Throughout the project the 4-Hers learn about food production and how the country ham fits into Kentucky’s food heritage.

Open to youth ages 9-18 years old.  Youth learn about and complete the curing process of a country ham. Youth are required to complete a 3-5 minute speech at the Kentucky State Fair or they forfeit their hams and all fees. You must pre-register for project! Country Ham Contracts can be found here or call the Taylor County Extension Office for more information at (270) 465-4511.

Country Ham Project Leaders: 4-H Agent, Kimberly Thomas and 4-H Program Assistant, Angie Rodgers.