2025 Kentucky State Fair Blue Ribbon Country Ham Auctioned for $10 Million

OK, first of all, holy cow! Or holy HOG, I should say. As you may know, the Kentucky State Fair is not just a good time with rides and delicious food. It is a celebration of all things Bluegrass State. If you grow it, make it, raise it, bake it, you can submit it for an exhibit to be judged for the chance to win a first-place blue ribbon.

Kentucky State Fair Exhibits

When you walk into the West Hall, before you go into the Honey & Seed room or the Fruits & Veggies room, or to pet the rabbits & goats, you'll see a large display case in the lobby full of country hams. It's a yearly tradition at the Kentucky State Fair for the winning country ham to be auctioned off for charity.

2025 Blue Ribbon Country Ham Auctioned for $10 Million

The 2025 blue ribbon went to Broadbent B&B Food Products in Lyon County for their 16.5-pounder, and it had a big morning today at the 61st Country Ham Breakfast. Kelly Craft, her husband Joe Craft, and Central Bank purchased that bad boy for $10 million, with proceeds going to charity. Only $606,000 per pound! You can see a picture of it on the Broadbent Facebook Page. It's a beaut!

Get our free mobile app

Kentucky State Fair Ham Auction Record

They have a history of ham purchases as they've previously won the past four years of auctions. Last year broke a record with their bid of 10.5 million. That's a far cry from the first-ever Ham Auction in 1964 that went for $124. A quick Google search says that would be about $1,300, adjusting for inflation.

How Many Times Has Broadbent's Country Ham Won KY State Fair Blue Ribbon?

According to Broadbent's website, they could very well be considered the G.O.A.T. when it comes to country ham.

"Since 1901, we’ve been making smoked and cured award-winning Kentucky Country Ham. It’s one-of-kind taste doesn’t get past judges at competitions, winning a total of 21 Grand Champion Kentucky State Fair Ham Competitions since 1967.  The American Association of Meat Processors has named Broadbent’s National Grand Champion Winners four times."

Now, they can update that number to twenty-two! To see all of the blue ribbon winners, you can visit the 2025 Kentucky State Fair website for tickets.