LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Pork, politics and philanthropy were at the heart of this morning's Kentucky Farm Bureau Country Ham Breakfast and Auction at the Kentucky State Fair. 

Republic Bank placed the winning big of $400,000 for this year's Grand Champion Ham. Last year's ham sold for a record $2 million put up by several bidders. 

The ham, from Charlie Gatton of Father's Country Hams in Bremen, Kentucky in Muhlenberg County, weighs 14.13 pounds -- that's about $28,000 a pound. 

This makes the eighth time in 12 years that Republic Bank has placed the winning bid. 

"We're delighted - it's part of our philanthropic culture at Republic Bank," said Steven Trager President and CEO of Republic Bank. "We're excited about it, love partnering with the Farm Bureau folks and thanks to all my associates I get to do stuff like this!"  

The breakfast was interrupted briefly when members of Kentucky's Fairness Campaign stood up to protest what they call discriminatory policies by the Kentucky Farm Bureau. Chris Hartman, director of the Fairness Campaign, was arrested, along with two other protestors. 

The sell-out crowd of 1,500 people heard from speakers including Governor Steve Beshear, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, and Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer. 

Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer says local food and agriculture is a big focus of his administration. He says the local bourbon industry has created year-round tourism in Kentucky. "We're one state united. We're competing against other states and other countries for business," Fischer says. "The connection between agriculture and our city is big." 

Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes says her office works hard to update business laws, especially those as they pertain to agriculture. She say Kentucky is one of twelve states that allows for new generation co-operatives to exist. She says she is particularly proud of Kentucky's Farms to Food Bank program. "It encourages our farmers to donate their food to food banks to help feed 750,000 Kentuckians who don't know where their next meal is going to come from," she tells WDRB. "It's a truly great program. Our farmers literally help feed those who are most in need." 

Governor Steve Beshear agrees that the Ham Breakfast showcases Kentucky agriculture, but he says it also showcases politicians. "It's a place where all the politicians come and want to be seen," he tells WDRB. "They want to shake hands and show their interest in Kentucky agriculture." He says he isn't sure what is next for him once he leaves office. "I know that I won't just sit down. I'm not that kind of personality."

All three of Kentucky's candidates for governor attended the breakfast. Each candidate stressed their respect for the importance of agriculture, but also took a moment to speak about the platforms of their respective campaigns.

Jack Conway took the opportunity to speak about his lawsuit against Marathon. Conway says Marathon has a monopoly on gasoline in Kentucky, and that is a violation of anti-trust laws. He says Marathon made motions that are without merit. "The big issue here is that more and more retailers are coming forward and saying they have to buy wholesale gasoline from a monopoly," he tells WDRB. "There is a violation of anti-trust laws, and there is price manipulation." He also didn't miss the chance to take a dig at Bevin for missing last week's Commodity Breakfast.

Matt Bevin said his platform is built on job creation. "I'm a job creator. I'm the only one in this race who has actually worked in the private sector. I'm a CEO; I'm a guy who creates jobs." As for missing the Commodity Breakfast, Bevin blames his busy schedule. "I wish I could clone myself. I'd love to be in about three or four places at the same time." 

Drew Curtis is running for governor as an independent. "I'm dissatisfied with the quality of the candidates that we have," he tells WDRB. "I'm not selling the ability to influence law to anybody." He's best known for creating a website called FARK. He says it has an online community larger than the population of Kentucky. He says he is using his history with technology as a campaign strategy.

The Kentucky Farm Bureau served a farm fresh breakfast of more than 5,000 eggs, 30 gallons of sorghum, and 450 pounds of country ham. The highlight of the annual breakfast is the charity auction of the fair's grand champion country ham.  

The first ham auction in 1964 brought in $124.  But last year's ham went for a record $2 million. Republic Bank & Trust Co. split the cost with Hermitage Farms and Bridgeman Foods.  The money goes to the charity of the bidder's choice.

Over the past 51 years, the Kentucky Farm Bureau has raised nearly $9 million for local charities.

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