By Blake Jackson
Kelly and Joe Craft and Central Bank teamed up to make a record-setting charitable contribution at the Kentucky State Fair, submitting a combined $10 million winning bid for the Grand Champion Country Ham.
The annual auction, hosted during the 62nd Kentucky Farm Bureau (KFB) Country Ham Breakfast and Charity Auction, raises money for organizations and causes throughout Kentucky.
The Crafts and Central Bank each committed $5 million toward charitable initiatives. Their partnership marks the fifth consecutive year they have joined forces at the auction. Their combined bid also reached $10 million in 2025.
This year’s winning ham weighed 16.7 pounds and was produced by Tim Berry of Clifty Farm Country Meats in Scottsville, Kentucky. Auctioneer Luke Wood guided the lively bidding, which attracted farmers, business leaders and community representatives competing for the opportunity to purchase the state fair’s prestigious ham.
“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 Crafts’ contribution 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 plans to distribute its $5 million contribution among numerous Kentucky organizations, including University of Kentucky programs, healthcare institutions, educational organizations, community groups and cultural institutions.
“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.”
The sold-out breakfast drew more than 1,600 attendees to the Kentucky Exposition Center. Miss Kentucky 2026 Reagan Earlywine presented the champion ham, while guests enjoyed a Kentucky Proud breakfast featuring Clifty Farm country ham. State and local leaders also addressed attendees during the event.
Photo Credit: kentucky-farm-bureau
Categories: Kentucky, Business, Government & Policy