By DEBORAH BEHRENDS

Indiana Correspondent

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Slow bidding on the prized country ham brought in just $1 million for charity at the Kentucky Farm Bureau's (KFB) 56th annual ham breakfast and auction. The breakfast was served to a sold-out crowd of 1,500 at the Kentucky State Fair last Thursday.

Central Bank was the winning bidder, which designates the recipient of the charitable contribution. The first ham auction was conducted in 1964 and netted $124. Since that sale, the event has raised more than $13 million for local charities, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations.

The Grand Champion Country Ham was produced by Blake Penn of Penn's Country Hams. In business for more than 60 years in Mannsville the company today sells more than 50,000 hams annually. It supplies ham to the Kentucky Derby Breakfast as well as all the Kentucky State Parks and Lodges.

KFB President Mark Haney said the organization recognizes the value of partnerships with community groups, government agencies, and businesses as it serves as the voice of Kentucky agriculture. “If the farm is where you want to be, we intend for you to be there,” he said.

Among the issues where KFB is standing strong, Haney said three are of vital importance – trade, adequate broadband service in rural areas, and rural development.

“Ag exports are vital. We need free and open trade. We need help to encourage new markets and trade partnerships,” he said, adding that broadband service is crucial to connect the farmer – and their equipment – with the world.

He pointed out the attraction and retention of new business to rural areas is crucial, as well.

KFB members and dignitaries were joined by numerous elected officials and others running for public office, including Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer, state Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles, and Gov. Matt Bevin. Noting that Louisville is home to a world-class food and beverage scene, Fischer remarked that whether people are from metro, suburban, or rural areas, "we're strongest when we're together.

"I want to let the farmers know, the people who live here and the people who visit here love Kentucky-grown food,” he said, noting the farming community has an ally in the city of Louisville.

"The food, and the farms that produce that food, connect us. Let's show the world what a healthy urban-rural partnership looks like.”

From a farming background, Bevin joked he's probably plucked more chickens than any other governor in the country. He said he grew up in 4-H competitions and, upon learning he could win trips and fly in an airplane, he was "all over that."

He continued to do some campaigning for the next election, but urged attendees to vote their values, not a party.

Quarles told those in attendance if they left hungry, it was their own fault, and that the state fair celebrates what's best about Kentucky agriculture. The event ended with the ham being presented to the winning bidder by Miss Kentucky Alex Francke.

The KFB is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2019.