Describe the Issue or Situation.

The 4-H Country Ham Program started in the late 1990's and has expanded to over 1,100 4-Hers from 87 counties.  

Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).

The 2025 4-H Country Ham Program experienced a significant paradigm shift; our long-time partner Finchville Farms shuttered their company.  Therefore, we were on our own to purchase two semi-loads of hams, ham cure, and a distribution location.  The Country Ham Committee came together and worked with Oxbow Meats to allows us to distribute hams from their business, we worked with Indiana Packers to purchase green hams and have them delivered to Oxbow Meats, and Clifty Farms sold us three tons of ham cure.  This was a total team effort!

Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience.

1,100 4-Hers from 87 counties; the second largest non-livestock 4-H program in the Commonwealth.

Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact. Please note that the outcomes statement must use evaluation data to describe the change(s) that occurred in individuals, groups, families, businesses, or in the community because of the program/outreach.