The 59th Annual Kentucky Farm Bureau (KFB) Country Ham Breakfast and Charity Auction brought in an impressive, combined bid of $10 million. 

“I am gratified by our continuing tradition here at Kentucky Farm Bureau to serve our fellow Kentuckians. From hosting this morning’s charity auction to awarding a record-breaking number of scholarships this year to Kentucky students pursuing higher education, I’m honored by how our people represent what makes our state the best,” said Mark Haney, President of Kentucky Farm Bureau. “We are proud to continue to invest where we are needed and in organizations that make such a profound impact across the Commonwealth. In addition to the work being done by Kentucky Farm Bureau and our county Farm Bureaus, we are bringing together our whole community for a positive cause.”

During the live auction, business leaders and individuals bid enthusiastically for a chance to take home the prized ham. The Grand Champion Country Ham, weighing in at a little over 18 lbs., was produced by Mr. Ronnie and Mrs. Beth Drennan of Broadbent B & B Foods of Kuttawa, KY. Eventually, Kelly and Joe Craft and Central Bank combined their bids and will each donate $5 million to charity.

The winning bidders are excited to donate their funds to a variety of charities that will reach people in need in every corner of Kentucky.

“Joe and I are extremely excited to be one of the win auctions of the grand champion ham at the 59th Annual County Ham Breakfast. Throughout the entire year Kentucky Farm Bureau is a wonderful partner to the people of the Commonwealth, but we are especially grateful they continue to host this exciting event year after year,” said Kelly Craft, former US Ambassador to the United Nations. “Giving back to those in need is the Kentucky way, and as lifelong Kentuckians we will always do everything we can to improve lives across Kentucky.”

The Crafts donations will be made to a variety of charitable organizations including Boys and Girls Clubs across the Commonwealth; a new mental health initiative that will be announced later in 2023; and to build 57 new homes in Knott County for families who lost everything in the 2022 floods.
 
“We are humbled to play a role in Kentucky Farm Bureau’s efforts to give back to those who need it most. Central Bank would like to thank everyone involved for the opportunity to contribute to such a wonderful cause, while highlighting the importance of Kentucky agriculture, farmers, and Kentucky Proud products,” said Luther Deaton with Central Bank. “Giving back is important to everyone on our team and we thrilled to be donating our portion of the bid to several charities and nonprofit organizations throughout Kentucky.”

Central Bank has plans to donate to University of Kentucky Athletics, Markey Cancer Center, Gatton College of Business & Economics, University of Kentucky Alumni Association, Transylvania University, University of Kentucky Med Center, Keeneland, St. Elizabeth Healthcare, Horizon Community Funds of Northern Kentucky, The Brighton Center, Kentucky Derby Museum, Louisville City Stadium, Eastern Kentucky University, Eastern Kentucky University Athletics, Federation of Appalachia Housing Enterprises, Kit Carson Commons of Richmond, Georgetown College, Asbury University, The Hope Center and Child Advocacy Center.

This year’s Grand Champion Ham was presented to breakfast attendees by Miss Kentucky 2023, Mallory Hudson. The riveting auction was accompanied by a breakfast of Kentucky Proud food, with the attendees totaling more than 1,600 people. Mayor Craig Greenberg; President of Kentucky Farm Bureau, Mark Haney; Governor Andy Beshear; Senator Mitch McConnell; Senator Rand Paul; and Commissioner Ryan Quarles were among those who gave speeches to the sellout crowd.

Along with today’s winning bid at the 59th year of the event, the Kentucky Farm Bureau Country Ham Breakfast has raised nearly $34 million for nonprofit organizations and charities since 1964.