Smoky, salty and steeped in Southern tradition, North Carolina country ham is more than a biscuit filling. It’s a distinctive Southern delicacy, and after a delicious celebration at the 2026 N.C. State Fair, there’s no better time to give this hometown favorite a place on your holiday menu!
Article sponsored by Got to Be NC.
After a 27-year absence, the N.C. State Fair Country Ham Competition returned Oct. 15, bringing together commercial producers and amateur enthusiasts to put their skills to the test and compete for top honors. The secret to great country ham? Time, technique and a whole lot of patience. From the careful balance of salt to the aging process that develops its signature flavor, every step matters. The result is a savory, intensely flavored product that has earned a loyal following among generations of Southern food lovers.
“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,” says Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “For generations, North Carolina families have perfected the art of curing ham, and this competition celebrated the hard work, patience and pride that go into every one.”
Bringing Home the Ham
The competition showcased some of the best country ham producers in the business, with judges evaluating entries for quality, appearance and flavor. Goodnight Brothers Country Ham of Boone brought home multiple championships, including national and Got to Be NC grand champion honors for commercial unsmoked and cut hams, the Got to Be NC Grand Champion Commercial Smoked Ham and the Commissioner’s Choice Award. Tony Parks of Kannapolis earned Grand Champion Amateur Whole Ham honors, demonstrating that exceptional results aren’t limited to commercial operations.
A Taste of Tradition in Heritage Circle
The excitement didn’t end when the judges put down their forks! Fairgoers got a behind-the-scenes look at the techniques and tools that transform fresh pork into a flavorful finished product. In Heritage Circle, the aroma of ham and sweetpotato biscuits cooking on a wood-burning stove drew visitors in for a taste of old-fashioned Southern cooking. Demonstrations offered a glimpse into the food preparation methods once common in rural North Carolina kitchens.
Additional country ham demonstrations explored the science and skill of salting, curing and preserving pork, giving visitors a greater appreciation for what goes into producing this regional specialty.
From Fair Food Favorites to Chef-Inspired Creations
Of course, no country ham celebration would be complete without plenty of opportunities to eat! The new Country Ham Trail sent fairgoers on a flavorful journey across the fairgrounds in search of delicious country ham creations. From traditional country ham biscuits to Granny’s Country Kitchen’s famous Ham & Yam sweetpotato biscuit, the trail offered plenty of reasons to follow the smoke and discover a new favorite.
The celebration extended beyond the fairgrounds with Country Ham Restaurant Week, featuring restaurants from the mountains to the coast putting creative twists on this versatile ingredient. These chef-inspired dishes showcased country ham’s potential far beyond the breakfast plate.
Special thanks to presenting sponsor N.C. Farm Bureau for supporting the competition and helping shine a spotlight on North Carolina’s country ham industry.
See more: Sheri Castle’s Recipe for Country Ham Spread
Make Country Ham the Star of Your Holiday Table
The fair may be over, but the best part of country ham season is still ahead! With Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s gatherings just around the corner, now is the time to think beyond the traditional holiday ham and explore the bold, savory possibilities of North Carolina country ham.
Hosting a holiday brunch? Serve country ham biscuits with a drizzle of local honey. Planning Thanksgiving dinner? Add diced country ham to collard greens, cornbread dressing or creamy casseroles for an extra punch of flavor. Need an easy appetizer? Pair thin slices with North Carolina cheeses, crackers and fruit preserves for a festive Southern charcuterie board. And don’t forget Christmas morning! A country ham and cheese breakfast casserole is an easy, crowd-pleasing way to feed a house full of hungry guests.
Best of all, purchasing North Carolina country ham keeps your holiday dollars close to home, supporting local farmers, processors and businesses while bringing authentic Southern flavor to your celebrations. This holiday season, put North Carolina country ham on your shopping list, try a new recipe and give your guests something delicious to talk about. Whether it’s the centerpiece of a festive brunch or the secret ingredient in a favorite side dish, a little country ham can make your holiday spread something special.
Grown. Raised. Caught. Made. When you want the best, it’s Got to Be NC!
