Grand Champion country ham sells for $10 million at Kentucky State Fair charity auction.
The 16.7-pound Kentucky State Fair Grand Champion Country Ham helped generate a $10 million charitable contribution this year after Kelly and Joe Craft and Central Bank teamed up to make the winning bid at the 62nd annual Kentucky Farm Bureau (KFB) Country Ham Breakfast and Charity Auction.
The annual event, held at the Kentucky Exposition Center, brought together more than 1,600 guests for one of Kentucky’s largest farm-city gatherings. The auction is a major highlight of the state fair and raises money for nonprofit organizations and community causes throughout the Commonwealth.
This year’s champion ham was produced by Tim Berry of Clifty Farm Country Meats in Scottsville, Kentucky. Auctioneer Luke Wood led the competitive bidding before the Crafts and Central Bank jointly secured the ham. Each party committed $5 million toward charitable initiatives.
“Nothing compares to the energy and excitement of our annual Ham Breakfast,” said Eddie Melton, KFB President.
“Once a year, we’re proud to host an event that celebrates agriculture and allows folks from across the commonwealth to sit down together over breakfast and give back to communities across the state. Kentucky Farm Bureau is grateful to everyone who had a hand in it, and we’re already looking forward to next year.”
The partnership marks the fifth consecutive year that the Crafts and Central Bank have combined their auction bids. Their previous joint contribution was also $10 million in 2025.
The Crafts’ $5 million will support construction of the new Guilfoil Recreation Center at the Boys & Girls Club of Glasgow-Barren County, along with FFA chapters serving Barren and Glasgow counties.
Central Bank’s contribution will benefit organizations and institutions across Kentucky, including the University of Kentucky, Markey Cancer Center, Transylvania University, Keeneland, Northern Kentucky University Athletics, Eastern Kentucky University and numerous housing, education, health care and community organizations.
“As lifelong Kentuckians, Joe and I are proud to once again stand alongside Central Bank to lift up important causes across our commonwealth,” said Kelly Craft, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.
“We are grateful to Kentucky Farm Bureau for hosting this incredible event year after year, and for supporting the essential work of our farmers all year long.”
Since its first breakfast in 1964, the event has generated more than $64 million for Kentucky charities and nonprofit organizations.
Photo Credit: kentucky-farm-bureau