Kentucky country ham sells for record $10 million at charity auction

A 16.7-pound Grand Champion Country Ham sold for a record-breaking $10 million during the 62nd annual Kentucky Farm Bureau Country Ham Breakfast and Charity Auction. The winning bid was a joint contribution from coal magnate Joe Craft, former US Ambassador Kelly Craft, and Central Bank.

Produced by Tim Berry of Clifty Farm Country Meats in Scottsville, Kentucky, the ham fetched an unprecedented price of approximately $598,800 per pound. This marks the fifth consecutive year that the Crafts and Central Bank have partnered for a $10 million bid at the event.

The proceeds from the auction are designated for various Kentucky organizations. The Crafts’ portion of the funds will support the new Guilfoil Recreation Center at the Boys & Girls Club of Glasgow-Barren County and FFA chapters in Barren and Glasgow counties, while Central Bank’s contribution will benefit medical and educational causes across the state.