4-H is all about creating opportunities for youth, especially in the 4-H Country Ham Project!   The Country Ham Project has been a long time tradition for youth in Union County lasting 17 years thus far.  The Union County 4-H program had 18 4-H members submit ham contracts, cure country hams, and engage in the 2019 Country Ham Project at the local Union County Fair and Country Ham Breakfast. The Union County Country Ham Project membership increased by nine youth between the years of 2018 and 2019.

Each year youth showcase their hams and present country ham speeches at the local Union County Fair and are then awarded for their dedication and presented with prizes at the Country Ham Breakfast held Saturday morning of county fair week. The Union County 4-H Country Ham Project Club hosted its 17th Annual Country Ham Breakfast this year.  With over 100 tickets being sold, the Country Ham Breakfast had a record attendance of 125 individuals.  Also at the breakfast, six country hams were auctioned off raising a total of $2,050 to help offset the cost of the State Fair Competition trip in August.  

The Union County 4-H Country Ham Project club continues to be one of the most successful programs with dedicated and enthusiastic youth participating since the year of 2002.