The 2019 Kentucky Extension Community Assessment identified the sustainability of family farms as a top priority issue to the community members of Washington County. Additionally, in 2017, the USDA reported that the average age of the American farmer has now risen to 57.5 years old. In an effort to combat these two issues in Washington County the Washington County 4-H Council wished to explore the possibility of an auction. The goal of the auction would be 3 fold, (1) the auction would provide financial stimulus to youth interested in increasing their involvement in agriculture, (2) draw more youth into the Livestock and Country Ham Club, thus getting more youth involved in agriculture at a young age, and (3) promote 4-H within the community. 

Livestock and Country Ham club leaders, Council members, and members of the Washington County Fair Board worked to schedule a Country Ham Auction in conjunction with the Farm to City Breakfast during the annual Sorghum Festival. Youth worked to secure buyers within the community and Washington County businessmen volunteered to serve as hosts and auctioneers. 

In this first auction the project saw great success! Raising $2,700 in total, the auction, paired with funding from an outside grant, allowed the Washington County Livestock and Country Ham club to upgrade their ham barn, as well as putting an average of $225 into the pockets of youth involved. Due in part to the Country Ham Auction, enrollment in the Washington County Country Ham and Livestock Club increased nearly 33%.