6 Fayette County 4-H youth participated in the Country Ham Project in the 2017-18 4-H Program Year. Based on evaluations from participants the project helped youth develop better communication skills as well as learning about the country ham curing process. As part of the county ham project, each youth has to present a speech at the Kentucky State fair about the ham curing process. All 6 participants indicated that starting with the first meeting in January, from the end of the project during speech day at the Kentucky State Fair, they developed better communication skills as well as learning about the ham curing process. Throughout the program, youth had the opportunity to work on their speeches at country ham meetings as they came to the extension office to work on the ham curing process. For one particular 4-H youth, this was his first experience with 4-H as well as his first experience doing a speech. He indicated that he was not happy about the prospect of having to give a speech in front of strangers in Louisville, Ky. His mom said he did not want to complete the ham process because of his anxiety about giving a speech at the end of the project. But the student continued to come to each meeting and continued to practice his speech at each club meeting. During the state fair competition, the 4-Her was happy to report that he received a red ribbon for his speech and was very happy that he continued to participate in the country ham project. Also, during the Livestock Show and sale, as an added bonus, the 4-Her received a "pleasant surprise" according to his mom, once he realized how much money he had earned by selling his country ham. The 4-Her is planning to participate in the Country Ham Project again for the 2018-19 program year and has indicated he is much more comfortable with the project now that he is and "experienced pro now.