The 4-H Country Ham Project continues to be one of the more popular non-livestock projects in the Commonwealth.  Although the numbers have leveled, as compared to the last few years, we continue to add new counties and new county-based ham houses.  In addition, more counties are adding a country ham contest to their local county fair.  Some counties have added an adult program country ham program that accompanies the 4-H Country Ham Project.  I have encouraged those adult programs to enter their hams into the non-Commercial Open Ham Show at the state fair.  Over the last couple years that program has continued to grow.  The 4-H Country Ham Project along with the adult programs have raised the awareness of the country ham, which is part of Kentucky's heritage.