Success StoryCountry Ham Project - The Journey



Country Ham Project - The Journey

Author: Samantha Saunders

Planning Unit: Robertson County CES

Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum

Plan of Work: Livestock Production, Management, Marketing, and Education

Outcome: Long-Term Outcome

The Country Ham Project had been offered to the youth of Robertson County for several years, but they always had to travel to a surrounding county to essentially complete the project. Because of this, many kids were discouraged to participate due to the extra travel time that went into the project. Seeing this situation from a new agent's perspective, I made it a goal to come up with the funds to build a ham house in order to bring the project back to the county. It was a 5-year goal but with support of my District Board, the process was sped up. I was able to receive grants that covered the majority of the project's expenses by working with the R.C. Durr Foundation. The Robertson County Extension District Board had to put up a small amount of money to finish off the project, and the Robertson County Fiscal Court granted us permission to place the building on their land by the Farmer's Market building, so that both could be utilized in the project. A certified electrician also volunteered his time to install all of the wiring and so forth. It was really a joint effort of volunteers, the businesses we worked with, and my county to get the ball rolling on this project. I marketed to the kids that the ham house would be in the county and thus the whole project would take place right here in Robertson County. I was ecstatic by the response of both the youth and the parents. In 2019, Robertson County will have 7 individuals completing the County Ham Project and competing at the Kentucky State Fair. That is more than the county has ever had. I also was able to open up the opportunity to cure a ham to community members. By having this goal achieved so quickly, more kids will be able to participate in this great program and many community members will have the opportunity to cure their own ham "just like the old days". The kids will learn the history and process of curing a ham, and also communication skills by preparing and giving a speech. Overall, I am more then happy with how this whirlwind of a project has come together in the end. I can't wait to see the impact this small building has on the youth and community members of Robertson County throughout the years. 






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