The 4-H Country Ham Project continues the tradition of the curing county hams, which has been a food tradition in Kentucky for hundreds of years. This 4-H project is one of the fastest growing at the state level and is a win-win program for youth involved.  The project started in the 1990’s with less than 40 4-H’ers, to currently over 750 from approximately 65 counties in Kentucky.  

Youth gain valuable skills from participation in the country ham project, including, learning the process of research, communication and organizational skills, and gain valuable technical merit.   Participants are responsible for curing two hams and required to write and give a speech at the Kentucky State Fair.  At the completion of the project they will have two country hams they have cured themselves plus the opportunity for awards and recognition. They also have the opportunity to go to the Kentucky State Fair.

There has been an average of 15 4-H’ers from Caldwell County participating in the 4-H Country Ham Project since 2008.   During that time, there have been twenty five youth that have placed in the top three in their speech division, with ten of those being first place. There have also been forty-two hams that have placed in the top three. One young man received Overall Jr. Reserve Champion as a 10 year old, and Overall Sr. Reserve Champion as a 17 year old.  He also received the $1,000 scholarship sponsored by the 4-H Country Ham Project.