KY Ham Breaks Record, Sells for $10 Million at State Fair

What's your favorite way to eat ham? I realize it's kind of a mundane question except that it has a number of answers. I have multiple replies myself.

If we're baking the ham, I like to pour some type of soda over it before it goes into the oven. And the non-fruity varieties like Coca-Cola and Dr. Pepper seem to work out the best. If we're talking about a ham sandwich, I keep it fairly simple. Ham (of course), mayo/Miracle Whip, a slice of tomato (if it's summertime), and barbecue potato chips. Yes, chips ON the sandwich. There's no way I'm the only one who does that.

A Very Expensive Kentucky Ham

But now comes the "gingerbread house" question--so-named because of how reluctant I would be to eat such an ornate creation. Would I feel funny cutting into or cooking a ham that cost 10 MILLION DOLLARS? Most people would say "yes" because what else would it be good for? And they'd be right. During the 59th Annual Kentucky Farm Bureau Ham Breakfast, this 18-pounder sold for that staggering, record-breaking amount.

And yes, of course, you wouldn't hesitate to sink your teeth into it. As you heard, the ham auction is really just a fundraiser that provides money to a vast array of charitable causes.

The Kentucky Farm Bureau Ham Breaks a Record for the Second Year in a Row

But here's the thing...this is now the second year in a row that the ham sold at the KFB breakfast has broken a record.

Who Purchased the Kentucky Farm Bureau Ham?

Also for the second year in a row, Kelly and Joe Craft were the top bidders, and now the money donated by way of the purchase will be dispersed among a variety of targets. Families that lost everything in the 2022 Eastern Kentucky floods will reap the benefits, as will the Kentucky Derby Museum, Boys & Girls Clubs, and multiple college campuses.

But Did the KFB Ham Break a World Record?

In case you were wondering, 18 pounds doesn't come close to the world record for the largest ham. That honor went to a 180-plus pound monster and was noted by the Guinness Book of World Records in 2010. Unfortunately, I cannot find any media about the ham.

Congratulations to the Krafts on their purchase and, most of all, to those who will benefit from the substantial donation it will yield.

Since the 2023 ham--which came from Lyon County--went for double the amount of the 2022 ham, do I hear $20 million in 2024? Going once, going twice...

[SOURCE: WLKY-Louisville]