Kentucky 4-H has rich roots in preserving time-honored traditions and educating our young people on such traditions. One such tradition supported through the 4-H program is the Country Ham Project. 

In Bracken County, this project has not been active for around seven plus years. After surveying 4-H participants in October, the 4-H Country Ham project was brought back by popular demand. By participating in this value added project, youth also learn the process, history and science of food preservation. From participation in the project, youth develop persistence and responsibility during the eight months they cure the hams.. Youth are solely responsible for washing, trimming and applying curing mix to the ham under the guidance of volunteers. A second washing and curing application is done in early spring, and final preparations are done prior to the state fair. Throughout this project, 4-H’ers learn the history of country ham production, the country ham industry and criteria judges look for in a prize-winning ham. Currently this year we have over 35 hams curing. Our Country Ham project was open to the community to join in the process as well. We have 10 novice 4-Hers and 6 4-Hers participating this year. We are already looking to expand and renovate our current ham building to aid in the growth expected for this project.