In an absolutely massive showing of support for Kentucky charities, the Kentucky Farm Bureau’s 61st annual Ham Breakfast brought in a winning bid of $10 million Thursday morning.
According to a news release, it was a combined bid of $5 million from Kelly and Joe Craft and $5 million from Central Bank to win the Grand Champion Country Ham. This year’s ham, weighing in at nearly 17 pounds, was produced by Josh Poling of Broadbent’s Country Hams in Kuttawa and was named the grand champion at the Kentucky State Fair.
This is the second time the Crafts and Central Bank have partnered on the winning bid, with their joint donation of $10 million in 2023. The money raised will go towards numerous non-profits and organizations across the Commonwealth, including the Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky Athletics, Federation of Appalachian Housing Enterprises, the Boys and Girls Club of Glasgow-Bowling Green, the Hope Center, several universities and many more.
Farm Bureau President Eddie Melton says, “Each year, this breakfast brings Kentuckians together to celebrate agriculture and to give back in meaningful ways. I am proud of how this event continues to grow in impact and tradition. Together, we’re showing that when our rural and urban communities unite around Kentucky agriculture, we can make a difference across the Commonwealth.”
Since its inception in 1964, the Country Ham Breakfast and Charity Auction has raised nearly $54 million for nonprofit organizations and other charities across Kentucky.