The Kentucky 4-H Country Ham Project gives young people the opportunity to learn about the value-added project that focuses’ on the food preservation process and the history of country hams. In addition, youth also develop their public speaking skills by presenting a speech about hams. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit there were major ramifications for Extension 4-H programming with many events postponed or canceled due to the restrictions related to social distancing.  Across the state, over 750 youth had started their country ham project prior to the pandemic.  The County Ham Committee made up of County Agents and the State Extension Meat Specialist met and decided to find a way for the youth to complete their projects in 2020. 

The Country Ham Project usually concludes at the Kentucky State Fair where 4-Hers give speeches in front of judges and their hams are judged.  This was out of the question as a gathering involving such a large number of people was not possible.  Believing the communication aspect of the contest was important, the committee decided to have the participants submit essays in lieu of the traditional in-person speeches.   The coordination of the essay submission and getting them judged was a difficult task but the committee felt it was important to have a way for the 4-Hers to complete the project.  Hams were judged at alternate sites, manned by the committee and a few ham judges.   Agents dropped hams off and picked them up after judging them to follow social distancing guidelines.  

The Country Ham Committee utilized the State 4-H Officers to host a virtual awards ceremony via Facebook Live and published on youtube.  It was the conclusion of a long process to give 4-Hers a culminating event for their 4-H Country Ham Projects.  In a year when most 4-H events and programs were canceled, it was a successful program because of the cooperation of agents, volunteers, and State 4-H staff that felt it was important to accomplish this for our 4-Hers.