Country Ham Competition Returns to N.C. State Fair
Raleigh hosted the revival of the Country Ham Competition at the N.C. State Fair on October 15, marking the event’s return after a hiatus of 27 years. This competition, presented by the North Carolina Farm Bureau, highlighted the artistry and heritage of country ham production, a cherished aspect of the state’s culinary tradition.
Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler emphasized the significance of country ham within North Carolina’s agricultural legacy, stating, “Country ham is more than something we put on a biscuit. It’s a part of our agricultural history and the memories we make around the table.” He noted the importance of honoring the skill and dedication involved in producing this traditional food.
Winners of the Competition
The competition featured several divisions, with winners recognized for their outstanding entries. In the Commercial Division, notable achievements included:
- Unsmoked Whole Ham:
- Grand Champion: Tony Snow, Goodnight Brothers Country Ham, Boone
- Second Place: Brandon Pierce, Nahunta Pork Center, Pikeville
- Third Place (tie): Sam Suchoff, Lady Edison Pork, Chapel Hill and John & Blake Penn, Penn Country Hams, Campbellsville, Ky.
- Smoked Whole Ham:
- National Grand Champion: Broadbent Country Hams, Kuttawa, Ky.
- Got to Be NC Grand Champion: Tony Snow, Goodnight Brothers Country Ham, Boone
- Second Place: Tony Snow, Goodnight Brothers Country Ham, Boone
- Third Place: Tripp Country Hams, Brownsville, Tenn.
- Cut Ham:
- Grand Champion: Tony Snow, Goodnight Brothers Country Ham, Boone
- Second Place: Broadbent Country Hams, Kuttawa, Ky.
- Third Place: John & Blake Penn, Penn Country Hams, Campbellsville, Ky.
In the Amateur Division, Tony Parks from Kannapolis was awarded Grand Champion for his whole ham entry, while Tony Snow also received the Commissioner’s Choice Award.
The Significance of Country Ham
Country ham is a testament to craftsmanship and tradition, requiring considerable time and skill in its preparation. Each ham produced reflects a blend of techniques honed over generations. Sam Suchoff, president of the National Country Ham Association, remarked on the importance of recognizing the producers’ efforts, stating, “Making a great country ham takes time, knowledge and a real respect for the process.”
The Country Ham Competition is part of a broader celebration at the 2026 N.C. State Fair, which also features a new Ham House, demonstrations in Heritage Circle, and initiatives like Country Ham Restaurant Week and the Country Ham Trail. Winning hams will be showcased in the Got to Be NC Pavilion at Dorton Arena, with commercial whole hams donated to the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina.
The successful return of the Country Ham Competition not only honors the past but also paves the way for future generations to carry on this esteemed craft. Goodnight Brothers Country Ham of Boone emerged as a standout, securing multiple grand champion titles and awards, while the community is reminded of the deep-rooted significance of this culinary tradition.
Source: N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
