LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The annual Kentucky Farm Bureau Country Ham Breakfast set another record this year, as the 2023 grand champion ham sold at auction for $10 million.

The combined bid was placed by Kelly and Joe Craft and Central Bank. Each bidder will donate their $5 million to their charities of choice that reach people in need across Kentucky, KFB said in a news release.

“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. 

The Grand Champion Country Ham, weighing in at a little over 18 lbs., was produced by Ronnie and Beth Drennan of Broadbent B&B Foods in Kuttawa, Ky. The hefty ham was presented to attendees by Miss Kentucky 2023, Mallory Hudson. 

The Crafts said their 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.

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 and Central Bank also split the winning $5 million bid on last year's champion ham, which preceded Kelly Craft's announcement of her candidacy for Kentucky governor.