By Malynda Fulton
VALDOSTA — Today area farmers will gather at the Lowndes County Civic Center to showcase their country-cured hams and farm-raised eggs by the dozens during the first day of the 60th Annual Lowndes County Ham and Egg Show, the only surviving show in Georgia.
Each year, the event brings in a wide range of participants — from some old farming families to youth involved through 4-H programs. This year, more than 70 adults and children are expected to participate.
Lowndes County Extension Agent Calvin Willis said that he anticipates 74 hams and several dozen eggs. He said all entries are inspected by the United States Department of Agriculture to ensure quality and no contamination.
“All of the hams were dry-rubbed and secured in a facility in Fort Valley,” Willis said. “The hams range in weight from 12 to 24 pounds. They take about 120 days to soundly cure. The more days, the better the product.”
Ham entries are judged by retired Animal Science Professor and Extension Program Leader Dr. Glenwood Hill. Hill previously told The Times that he judges the hams based on his firsthand farm knowledge, as well as his professional and scientific expertise. As the recipient of several degrees in animal science and a judge and handler of meat for more than 40 years, Hill usually encourages questions throughout the judging process and addresses all audience members and contestants when providing answers.
The hams are classified into weight classes and graded as fancy, choice or good. Hill also checks for soundness to make sure that the hams were secured properly and that heat was not applied too closely. Last year, Hill allowed 4-H members and young farmers to smell the differences between tainted and properly cured meat. He also pointed out visible indications of spoilage on a ham.
Kathryn Thornhill from the State of Georgia will inspect the eggs. She will look for imperfections in the eggs that could result in the rejection of an entire dozen. Air pockets and yolk are examined in this process.
Willis stated that free computer courses will also be offered during the show this year. On Tuesday, two sessions will be held — one at 10 a.m. and one at 1 p.m. — for senior citizens. Wednesday, the computers will be open to the general public in 15-minute intervals all day, Willis said.
Registration for the show begins 8 a.m. today, and judging begins at 10:30 a.m. The show will continue 12:30 p.m. Wednesday with lunch, as winners are named in each category, followed by an auction of each produce item.
Founded when farming was more the way of life than a trade, the Ham and Egg Show was originally held to encourage black farmers and 4-H members and to promote the best agricultural practices.
The first Ham and Egg Show was coordinated by Otis Samuel O'Neal at Fort Valley in 1916.
In 1950, John Saunders and the Black Farm Bureau established the first Ham and Egg Show in Lowndes County. Through the years, the event has continued its mission to provide farmers with the best practices for producing high-quality foods as well as good preservation techniques.
