LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Kentucky State Fair doesn’t officially kick off until fairgoers have enjoyed the annual commodity breakfast, sponsored by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.

While dining on eggs, sausage, steak, lamb, biscuits and goat bacon Aug. 20, members of the state’s commodity groups had the opportunity to network – and, because it’s an election year, meet some candidates. What better setting for state ag commissioner candidates to seek support?

Democratic candidate Jean Marie Spann said her top priority is jobs and recruiting ag businesses. Republican Ryan Quarles took a different track by starting in the classroom.

“We need to clear up misconceptions about agriculture and let Kentuckians know their food supply is safe, abundant and, more than likely, comes from a family farm just down the road,” he said.

Gubernatorial candidates were on hand as well, with Democrat Jack Conway serving hot ribeyes to diners. His opponent, Matt Bevin, wasn’t in attendance.

“I think if you’re going to stand up for Kentucky agriculture, this is a place you ought to be,” Conway said.

Bevin’s campaign manager, Ben Hartman, said Bevin and his running mate, Jenean Hampton, will be at the fair several times and were planning to attend the Kentucky Farm Bureau’s ham breakfast this week.

Others in attendance included Gov. Steve Beshear, Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer, Agriculture Commissioner James Comer, Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes and Treasurer Todd Hollenbach. Fischer said the fair highlights the best of Kentucky.

“It’s good for Louisville to be at the center to celebrate all of Kentucky, from arts to agriculture,” he added.

Besides the food itself, the star was the ham auctioned off for $4,600 to support Kentucky 4-H’s Country Ham Project. Starting in the late 1990s with about 35 members, the project now boasts nearly 500 participants in 68 Kentucky counties.

Members receive two fresh hams to cure by rubbing them with salt and other spices during the cold winter months. Members who participate in the project get hands-on experience with country ham, learn about the meat industry and gain insight into how food was prepared to store before refrigeration.

Hams are shown at the fair and members give a 3- to 5-minute speech on their project.

With livestock judging, concerts and food choices galore, the Kentucky State Fair runs through Aug. 30. More information is available online at www. kystatefair.org