Country Hams are a throwback to the way food was preserved before mechanical refrigeration. The 4-Her’s began curing these hams in the cold months of January by applying a cure mixture of salt, brown sugar, and black and red pepper to the surface of the ham. The cure mixture penetrated the fresh hams during the cold months and by March the hams were fully cured. Country hams develop their characteristic flavor and aroma during the warm summer months, sometimes referred to as the “Summer Sweat”.  The 4-H Country Hams are approximately 9 to 10 months old, weigh around 14 to 16lbs, and do not require refrigeration. The process of curing country hams is a part of Kentucky’s food heritage.  

2020 marked the first year for Casey County 4-H Country Hams to be cured in a local country ham house. Thanks to the donations from local farmers and sponsorship from Casey County Farm Bureau Federation, the ham house was constructed in the summer of 2019 in preparation for the next project year. 

A total of six youth and three adults participated in the 2020 4-H Country Ham Project. In February, the participants (youth and adult) visited a local meats processing plant to understand the field to fork process of slaughter and customizable meat cuts for clients. Though the pandemic limited face-to-face meetings and field trips, communication with participants and instruction continued. As the speech contest with changed to an essay contest, participants submitted essay drafts for feedback and corrections before the final submission. The two senior participants received top honors on this year’s essay and country ham. Briar Elmore placed 9^th on his Country Ham Essay and 17^th Overall (combined score of country ham and essay). Makayla Hamilton placed 7^th on her Country Ham Essay and 12^th Overall (combined score of country ham and essay).

In October, a country ham auction in held in conjunction with the Annual Farm Bureau Meeting. As this was canceled, buyers from previous years were contacted and purchased each country ham (six) for $300 apiece with all monies going to the individual participants. Buyers included local farmers, Casey County Farm Bureau Federation, Casey County Bank, Casey County Pork Producers, and the area Senator and Representative.

The 2021 Country Ham Project has increased its membership almost by 100% with eleven participants (including two from another county), and six adults. The Country Hams continue to be cured at our local ham house with much success.