Success Story4-H Country Ham Project



4-H Country Ham Project

Author: Regina Browning

Planning Unit: Shelby County CES

Major Program: Agriculture

Plan of Work: Agricultural Production 2

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

The 4-H Country Ham Project is one of the most unique 4-H activities offered through Kentucky 4-H.   Youth are taught a heritage skill that is a tradition in our state.  They are also required to give a speech about a related topic at the Kentucky State Fair. This creates an opportunity to enhance their communication skills.  Over 1000 youth enrolled in the project in 2024, including 28 youth in Shelby County.

The Shelby County 4-H Agent serves on the Country Ham Committee which oversees the project, including the contest at the Kentucky State Fair.  The contest receives support from a University of Kentucky Extension Specialist and the Kentucky Country Ham Producers.   Over 900 hams and speeches were judged and scored on the contest day.  This is a huge undertaking that requires many hours of work from Extension staff and volunteers.  In total over 100 workers invested approximately 625 hours of time to conduct the contest.  As a result, over 900 4-Hers gave speeches about country hams using the knowledge they gained from participating in the project.

The support for the Country Ham Project across the state continues to grow.  Youth are learning a skill that has passed through many generations of Kentuckians.  They are also practicing and learning new communications skills that they will continue to use throughout their lives.  Using the hands on knowledge they gained from the project, youth practiced their communication skills to complete the project. The combination of the learning outcomes is one of the reasons that the project is so successful and one of the most popular 4-H projects in the state.






Stories by Regina Browning


Shelby County 4-H Camp has Positive Impact

about 1 years ago by Regina Browning

According to the American Camping Association, camp provides the opportunity for children to discove... Read More


Shelby County 4-Hers Participate in Teen Conference

about 1 years ago by Regina Browning

The 99th Annual Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference was held at the University of Kentucky June 13-16, 2023... Read More


Stories by Shelby County CES


Horse Clinic

about 1 years ago by Candice Hollingsworth

With a decrease in participation of the 4-H Horse Program being seen across the state. The need to p... Read More


Money Matters

about 1 years ago by Candice Hollingsworth

According to 2021 Experian data,the average American holds a debt balance of $96,371. Young people w... Read More