“The practice of curing country hams dates back centuries, long before modern storage methods were available. …people kept their food from spoiling by packing it in a mixture of salt and other spices, and stored it for an extended period… Modern technology allows for other ways of preserving food, the way country hams are cured now is very much the same as it was long ago” Kentucky Farm Bureau News March 2018.

The Kenton County 4-H Country Ham project provides the opportunity for youth who do not have an animal project to participate in livestock education and awareness. Youth attend six hours of educational programming conducted by 6 certified 4-H livestock volunteers and are encouraged to attend education programs specifically about country hams. Youth members receive two hams in January which are dry cured at the Kenton County Extension Office. The hams cure in a building adapted for use and provided at the Extension Office. The agent involved provides regular building maintenance, cleaning, sprays as needed, advises regarding the weather, and scrutinizes insect populations, and resolves concerns as needed. Youth members learn about seasonings used to cure the hams and the process often involves interaction with older family members who describe how they cured hams “in the old days”. The discussions have also led to a new generation of youth understanding the purpose of farm buildings on local properties and even outdoor stations located in older neighborhoods in several subdivisions. Multiple grandparents often arrive to watch and assist as the 4-H members put hams in cure in January.  Youth have learned to look for insects, bug casings, and how an insect could affect their ham project. Youth regularly describe the curing process to those who do not understand how meat can air cure and not become rancid hanging in a cotton sock outside. Many of these educational interactions and descriptions are included in the speeches youth members develop as part of the ham project. Country hams are judged during the Kenton County Fair and at the Kentucky State Fair. The State Fair judging process includes the presentation of a speech allowing 4-H members to further research, write, and present information about their project. 4-H members have presented ham speeches to educate the public about the processes in the educational area at the county fair multiple years. Speech practice sessions evaluated by volunteer leaders are held prior to each State Fair to encourage youth to improve speech content and presentation skills. Volunteers have also been involved consulting on the electric and maintenance of the building, as well as using tools necessary to process hams for the safety of youth members. In addition a volunteer also sought out chemical compound advice when the 4-H agent was researching the correct type of stain to use to preserve the wood on the building so a smell or toxin would not leach into the hams processed the following January. 

Many youth have reported feeling a sense of accomplishment when they are praised at a meal where their country ham is served. "Giving ham speeches has helped me be more comfortable and feel more confident when having to speak in front of my class at school" Cailin age 13, four year 4-H member. Several youth have donated hams to be used in a local feeding program for the underprivileged. Since 2011, 65 youth and 7 adults have cured country hams, a value added of approximately $13,000. Three adults who participated in the process are serving as 4-H volunteer leaders, one additional participating adult has become a regular 4-H donor.