Success StoryUnion County Country Ham Project (September Success Story)



Union County Country Ham Project (September Success Story)

Author: Lauren Neltner

Planning Unit: Union County CES

Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum

Plan of Work: 4-H Agricultural Literacy

Outcome: Initial Outcome

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.  In the past, the project has been conducted in Union County, however, due to some unforeseen changes, the Union County Country Ham Project moved to Broadbent Hams in Kuttawa, Kentucky.  The traveling did not keep youth from participating in the Country Ham Project!  The Union County 4-H program had nine 4-H members submit ham contracts, cure country hams, and engage in the Country Ham Project at the local Union County Fair and Kentucky State Fair. 

Much talent was exhibited in the showcase of hams and ham speeches at the local Union County Fair.Occurring on the Saturday morning of fair week, the Union County 4-H Country Ham Project Club hosted its 15th Annual Country Ham Breakfast where over 100 tickets were sold and over $2,500 was raised to help offset the cost of the State Fair Competition trip.  Furthermore, Union County did exceptional at the State Fair Country Ham Project! Five youth from Union County brought awards in several ham categories. 

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.