Additional Information:

• Disaster Assistance
• Disaster Unemployment Assistance Information
• Small Business Administration
• Additional Assistance
• Rebuilding Resources
• What to do After a Flood
• Fixing Flood Damage

WDAM General Manager Jim Cameron was on hand to witness Robin Robinson from Sanderson Farms give the check to Janice Vennetta from the Red Cross.

Robinson put out a challenge to other businesses to get involved and donate to the Red Cross.

To donate to the Red Cross call 1-855-820-9307.

In addition to Sanderson Farms, the remaining Gold Suppliers include, in order: Pacific Coast Producers (Lodi, CA ); Arista Foods (Wilton, CT); Dean Foods/Morningstar (Dallas, TX); Pactiv Corporation (Lake Forrest, IL) JBS Pork (Greeley, CO); National Beef Packing Company, LLC (Kansas City, MO); Taylor Farms (Salinas, CA); Ventura Foods, LLC (Brea, CA); and Ralcorp Holdings, Inc. (Downers Grove, IL). The 2010 Supplier Recognition recipients were selected from over 2,000 eligible suppliers located across the world. The top 100 were selected based on key business performance metrics with critical evaluation by Sysco’s U.S. broadline distribution companies and Sysco’s corporate merchandising, sourcing, quality assurance, and supply chain departments.

Also announced today are the winner’s of Sysco’s Seventh Annual Heritage Awards. The Heritage Awards are presented to Sysco’s top women and minority owned businesses that supply food and food service supply products through Sysco. This year’s recipients include Gold Medalist Renaissance Man Food Services (Savannah, GA); Silver Medalist Signature Breads, Inc. (Chelsea, MA); and Bronze Medalist Carla’s Pasta, Inc. (South Windsor, CT).

The live broadcast of Sanderson Farms’ conference call will begin at 10:00 a.m. Central Time, 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time on May 25. An online replay will be available approximately two hours following the conclusion of the live broadcast and will continue through June 2, 2010. Links to these events may be found at the investor relations section of the Company’s website, www.sandersonfarms.com, and from www.earnings.com. Those without Internet access may listen to the call by dialing (888) 219-1467 (Confirmation Code 4398177).

Sanderson Farms, Inc. is engaged in the production, processing, marketing and distribution of fresh and frozen chicken and other prepared food items. Its shares trade on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol SAFM.

SOURCE: Sanderson Farms, Inc.

Sanderson Farms, Inc.
Mike Cockrell, 601-649-4030
Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer

The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering, together with other funds, to finance the construction of its new retail poultry complex in Kinston, North Carolina, and a potential new big bird poultry complex to be located near Goldsboro, North Carolina. Pending such uses, net proceeds from the offering may be used to reduce indebtedness and to invest in cash and cash equivalents. The Company may use some of the invested proceeds as working capital and for general corporate purposes.

The offering is being made pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 9, 2008. A prospectus supplement relating to the offering has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The offering is being made only by means of a prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. Copies of the prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus relating to the offering, when available, may be obtained from Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, 180 Varick Street, 2nd Floor, New York, New York 10014, Attention: Prospectus Department or by e-mail at prospectus@morganstanley.com, or from J.P. Morgan, c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Ave, Edgewood, NY 11717.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase the common stock or any other securities of the Company. No offer, solicitation or sale shall be made in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

Sanderson Farms, Inc. is engaged in the production, processing, marketing and distribution of fresh and frozen chicken and other prepared food items. Its shares trade on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol SAFM.

This press release contains both historical and forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current views and assumptions, and are subject to risks and uncertainties.Actual results and events may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the statements.For a discussion of these risks and uncertainties, please refer to the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and other subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.Forward-looking statements included herein speak only as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update such statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events or circumstances.

SOURCE: Sanderson Farms, Inc.

Sanderson Farms, Inc.
Mike Cockrell, 601-649-4030
Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer

The live webcast of Sanderson Farms’ presentation may be found at the investor relations section of the Company’s website, www.sandersonfarms.com, and from www.earnings.com. Those without Internet access may listen to the meeting by dialing 800-227-9428. An online replay will be available approximately two hours following the conclusion of the live broadcast and will continue through February 25, 2010. To listen to the playback, call 888-203-1112, reservation number 9584261.

Sanderson Farms, Inc. is engaged in the production, processing, marketing and distribution of fresh and frozen chicken and other prepared food items. Its shares trade on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol SAFM.

SOURCE: Sanderson Farms, Inc.

Sanderson Farms, Inc.
Mike Cockrell, Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer
601-649-4030

The live broadcast of Sanderson Farms’ conference call will begin at 10:00 a.m. Central Time, 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time on February 23. An online replay will be available approximately two hours following the conclusion of the live broadcast and will continue through March 2, 2010. Links to these events may be found at the investor relations section of the Company’s website, www.sandersonfarms.com, and from www.earnings.com. Those without Internet access may listen to the call by dialing (800) 533-9703 (Confirmation Code 2145370).

Sanderson Farms, Inc. is engaged in the production, processing, marketing and distribution of fresh and frozen chicken and other prepared food items. Its shares trade on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol SAFM.

SOURCE: Sanderson Farms, Inc.

Sanderson Farms, Inc.
Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer
Mike Cockrell, 601-649-4030

Company Makes Gift to Haiti Relief Effort

LAUREL, Miss.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Sanderson Farms, Inc. (NASDAQ:SAFM) today announced that its Board of Directors has declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.15 (fifteen cents) per share payable February 23, 2010, to stockholders of record on February 9, 2010.

“In recent weeks we have witnessed what is clearly the most devastating earthquake in recent history and its destruction to our neighbors in Haiti. Our contribution has been designated to support the emergency relief and recovery efforts to help those people in Haiti affected by this unprecedented disaster.”

The Company also announced that it has made a gift in the amount of $100,000 to the American Red Cross designated for relief efforts in Haiti. Commenting on the announcement, Joe F. Sanderson, Jr., chairman and chief executive officer of Sanderson Farms, Inc., said, “In recent weeks we have witnessed what is clearly the most devastating earthquake in recent history and its destruction to our neighbors in Haiti. Our contribution has been designated to support the emergency relief and recovery efforts to help those people in Haiti affected by this unprecedented disaster.”

Sanderson Farms, Inc. is engaged in the production, processing, marketing and distribution of fresh and frozen chicken and other prepared food items. Its shares trade on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol SAFM.

Sanderson Farms, Inc.
Mike Cockrell
Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer
601-649-4030

Please read the entire article here.

“The expansion of our stock repurchase program highlights the Board’s confidence in the future of Sanderson Farms,” stated Joe F. Sanderson, Jr., chairman and chief executive officer of Sanderson Farms. “We plan to use our expanded stock repurchase program to offset shares issued through our equity compensation programs. We believe this program represents a good use of corporate funds while minimizing potential dilution related to our equity compensation programs.”

The Company has repurchased approximately 13,000 shares under the previously authorized stock repurchase program. The newly authorized program will provide Sanderson Farms with the capacity to purchase approximately 987,000 shares. The stock repurchase program is authorized until April 24, 2012.

Sanderson Farms, Inc. is engaged in the production, processing, marketing and distribution of fresh and frozen chicken and other prepared food items. Its shares trade on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol SAFM.

This press release contains forward-looking statements based on management’s current views and assumptions. Actual results and events may differ. For a discussion of these matters, please refer to the “Cautionary Statement Regarding Risks and Uncertainties That May Affect Future Performance” in Item 7 of the Company’s 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K and please refer to the cautionary statement found in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations under the heading “General” in Part I, Item 2 of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Company’s third quarter ended July 31, 2009.

Source: Sanderson Farms, Inc.

Sanderson Farms, Inc.
Mike Cockrell, Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer
601-649-4030

“The Board’s decision to increase our regular quarterly dividend reflects Sanderson Farms’ improved operating results as well as the Company’s solid financial position,” commented Joe F. Sanderson, Jr., chairman and chief executive officer of Sanderson Farms. “Our consistent record of growth and solid execution of our operating strategy have placed us in this position and we are pleased to have the opportunity to reward our shareholders.”

Sanderson Farms, Inc. is engaged in the production, processing, marketing and distribution of fresh and frozen chicken and other prepared food items. Its shares trade on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol SAFM.

Source: Sanderson Farms, Inc.

Sanderson Farms, Inc.
Mike Cockrell, 601-649-4030
Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer

Sanderson Farms has developed lower sodium recipes and useful tips to help fans successfully tailgate this fall. From chicken sliders and buffalo tenders to cheesy chicken spread and chicken kabobs, Sanderson Farms has created healthier versions of some classic tailgate dishes.

Consumers will buy nearly $20 billion of fresh chicken this tailgate season with the belief that it’s healthy and natural. However, some companies pump their chicken with saltwater and other additives, even though they are allowed to label it “All Natural.” Directly out of the package, a single serving (4 oz.) of pumped chicken may contain more than 440 mg of sodium, while a serving of truly natural chicken contains only about 70 mg of sodium (naturally occurring). This means pumped chicken has more sodium than a large order of fast food french fries (350 mg). For the millions of Americans on a sodium-restricted diet, a serving of saltwater-enhanced chicken can unknowingly be over half of their daily allowance before it’s even seasoned or prepared for cooking.

It is important for consumers to read the fine print of poultry labels and look for hidden additives in other brands. The words enhanced, marinated and injected are often used to identify products that have saltwater solutions, broth or carrageenan (a seaweed extract) added to them. Ultimately, consumers pay more than $2 billion a year for saltwater at chicken prices.

While some other companies are injecting their chicken with additives, Sanderson Farms offers, and always has, truly 100 percent natural chicken. To try Sanderson Farms’ Sack the Sodium tailgating treats and discover more time and budget saving tailgating tips, please visit www.sackthesodium.com.

Based in Laurel, Mississippi, Sanderson Farms, Inc. is engaged in the production, processing, marketing and distribution of fresh and frozen chicken and other prepared food items. Its shares trade on the NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol SAFM.

SOURCE Sanderson Farms

Emily Crouch or Danielle Storm, +1-850-668-2222, ecrouch@zimmerman.com, or dstorm@zimmerman.com

The live broadcast of Sanderson Farms’ conference call will begin at 10:00 a.m. Central Time, 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time on August 25. An online replay will be available approximately two hours following the conclusion of the live broadcast and will continue through September 25, 2009. Links to these events may be found at the investor relations section of the Company’s website, www.sandersonfarms.com, and from www.earnings.com. Those without Internet access may listen to the call by dialing (888) 587-0613 (Confirmation Code 2268244).

Sanderson Farms, Inc. is engaged in the production, processing, marketing and distribution of fresh and frozen chicken and other prepared food items. Its shares trade on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol SAFM.

Source: Sanderson Farms, Inc.

Sanderson Farms, Inc.
Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer
Mike Cockrell, 601-649-4030

If you’re short on time, boneless, skinless breasts or thighs, tenders or wings are ideal.  Chicken legs, thighs and quarters require a little more time to cook on the grill, but the delectable payoff is an especially moist and scrumptious meal.  If time permits, there’s nothing better than a whole chicken slowly roasted on the grill.
From the National Chicken Council and the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, here are two new chicken grilling chicken recipes, perfect for serving up this summer.

Grilled Chicken Drumsticks with Turkish Almond Sauce starts with a spice rub of pantry staples that adds a delicious note to crispy drumsticks. Combine turmeric, cayenne pepper, dry mustard, ground ginger, fennel seeds, salt and sugar, and rub over the drumsticks to coat. When grilled, the chicken will have a smoky, Middle Eastern flavor. While the drumsticks are cooking, make a thick paste sauce by pulsing together in a food processor roasted almonds, garlic, scallions, cilantro, jalapeno pepper, lemon zest and juice, red wine vinegar, yogurt and olive oil. Serve this chicken dish over a bed of couscous with the almond paste drizzled on top. A crunchy cucumber salad and chickpeas make nice side dishes.

Want an easy way to prepare an inexpensive whole chicken on the grill? Try “butterflying” the bird, for a chicken that will cook more evenly and a final presentation that is most impressive. Remove the backbone of a whole, fresh chicken by cutting down either side of the bone with a sharp knife, and cut out the backbone. Turn the chicken over and cut out the breastbone, then open up and flatten. Grilled Butterflied Chicken with Basil and Mint Vinaigrette is made by first brining a butterflied chicken in a mixture of salt and sugar water, to give the meat added juice and flavor. Place the chicken on the grill and cook, turning once or twice, for a total of about 30 minutes. While the meat is cooking, making a fresh vinaigrette by combining lemon juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, fresh ginger, red pepper flakes, mint, basil and olive oil. Pour the vinaigrette over the hot, plated chicken as soon as it comes off of the grill. Serve with sliced roasted potatoes or brown rice and a green summer salad.

Sanderson Farms, Inc. is engaged in the production, processing, marketing and distribution of fresh and frozen chicken and other prepared food items. Its shares trade on the NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol SAFM.

Source: Sanderson Farms, Inc.

Sanderson Farms, Inc.
Mike Cockrell, 601-649-4030
Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer

In late January 2009, the Company became concerned that John Bierbusse, a member of the Company’s audit and compensation committees, may not be independent under NASDAQ’s rules. Specifically, the Company learned that John Bierbusse’s brother, who is a “Principal” in the business consulting unit of Ernst & Young LLP (“E&Y”), the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, may be considered a partner of E&Y. Upon making this discovery, the Company promptly made inquiries of E&Y to determine the nature of Mr. Bierbusse’s brother’s relationship with E&Y, and learned that E&Y uses the title of “Principal” to designate non-accounting partners of the firm. It also confirmed that Mr. Bierbusse’s brother works as a business consultant, is not an accountant, has no business contact with the auditing practice of E&Y, and has no involvement with the Company.

The Company immediately contacted the Listing Qualifications Office of NASDAQ to seek its view of whether Mr. Bierbusse would continue to be deemed “independent” under NASDAQ rules. On March 6, 2009, the Listing Qualifications Office orally informed the Company of its view that Mr. Bierbusse was no longer an independent director pursuant to Marketplace Rule 4200(a)(15)(F), which provides that a director is not independent if he has a family member who is a current partner of the issuer’s outside auditor.

On March 10, 2009, Mr. Bierbusse resigned as a member of the audit and compensation committees, effective immediately. Mr. Bierbusse will continue as a member of the Company’s board of directors.

In its letter, the staff observed that upon discovery of this issue, the Company took immediate action. The staff also noted that, as a result of Mr. Bierbusse’s resignation from the two committees, the Company has established a compensation committee and an audit committee in conformity with Marketplace Rules 4350(c)(3) and 4350(d)(2). The staff closed the matter upon the issuance of its letter.

This release is issued pursuant to Marketplace Rule 4803(a), which requires the Company to make a public announcement through the news media disclosing receipt of the staff’s letter and the NASDAQ rules upon which it is based.

Sanderson Farms, Inc. is engaged in the production, processing, marketing and distribution of fresh and frozen chicken and other prepared food items. Its shares trade on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol SAFM.

This press release contains forward-looking statements based on management’s current views and assumptions. Actual results and events may differ. For a discussion of these matters, please refer to the “Cautionary Statement Regarding Risks and Uncertainties That May Affect Future Performance” in Item 7 of the Company’s 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K and please refer to the cautionary statement found in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations under the heading “General” in Part I, Item 2 of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Company’s first quarter ended January 31, 2009.

Source: Sanderson Farms, Inc.

Sanderson Farms, Inc.
Mike Cockrell, 601-649-4030
Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer

Awards are presented in two categories, pretreatment and full treatment. The pretreatment category covers facilities that discharge pretreated effluent to publicly owned full treatment facilities, while the full treatment category covers facilities that fully reclaim wastewater prior to discharge into a receiving stream or final land application system. First place and honorable mention are recognized in both categories.

First place in the full treatment category went to Sanderson Farms in Moultrie, Ga. The wastewater facility includes a 1.7 million-gallon-per-day on-site pretreatment plant. A 15.4 million gallon covered anaerobic lagoon equalizes flow to the wastewater treatment plant and effectively acts as an odor-control system. After the wastewater is treated in an activated sludge treatment plant, a pump station and force main transfer pretreated effluent to the land application system for final treatment and nutrient utilization. The land application system provides irrigation for 400 acres of Alicia Bermuda grass for hay production.

The Tyson Foods processing plant at Noel, Mo., received honorable mention for full treatment. The facility was recognized for processes such as pretreatment polymer recycling, waste activated sludge processing and recycling animal fat for the complex’s feed mill.

Tyson Foods’ Monett, Mo., processing plant was selected as the winner in the pretreatment category. The complex completed a new $4.8 million wastewater pretreatment system in October 2008. The main components of the pretreatment plant include a primary dissolved air flotation system, a 900,000-gallon equalization basin and secondary dissolved air flotation system. Construction of the pretreatment plant, along with close monitoring of the dissolved air flotation system, has increased treatment efficiency. The result is lower operating costs and more extensive pretreatment of wastewater before it is sent to the city’s system for final treatment.

Wayne Farms’ Decatur, Ala., further processing plant won honorable mention for pretreatment. It was recognized for performance and efficiency as the result of projects including a combined waste stream, automated jar testing, polymer blend consistency and dual supervisory control and data acquisition monitors.

Source: Ann Bagel Stork, meatingplace.com

Net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2009 were $388.9 million compared with $362.6 million for the same period a year ago. For the quarter, the company had a net loss of $6.7 million, or $0.33 per share, compared with net income of $6.2 million, or $0.30 per share, for the first quarter of fiscal 2008.

“The results for the first quarter of fiscal 2009 reflect prevailing economic conditions and reduced consumer demand for protein consumed away from home,” said Joe F. Sanderson, Jr., chairman and chief executive officer of Sanderson Farms, Inc. “Demand for chicken products held steady in the retail grocery market, but the slowdown in restaurant traffic continues to adversely affect sales to our food service customers. While market prices improved during the quarter compared to where the markets stood at the end of fiscal 2008, it was not enough to offset our costs. Grain prices for the quarter were actually down sequentially compared to our fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, but were still higher than last year’s first quarter.”

According to Sanderson, overall market prices for poultry products were mixed during the first quarter of fiscal 2009 compared with the same three months of fiscal 2008. A simple average of the Georgia dock price for whole chickens was approximately 13 percent higher in the Company’s first fiscal quarter compared with the same period in 2008, reflecting the relative strength of the market for chicken in the retail grocery market. Bulk leg quarter prices were down by almost 25 percent during the quarter compared with last year’s first quarter, as the difficult worldwide economic issues began to affect the Company’s export customers’ access to credit during the fourth quarter of calendar 2008. Boneless breast meat prices during the quarter were approximately 9 percent lower than the prior-year period, reflecting the soft market for any protein consumed away from home. Conversely, jumbo wing prices hit historic highs at an average of $1.15 per pound compared with an average of $1.08 per pound a year ago, reflecting strong seasonal demand during the football season and the Super Bowl. At the same time, costs for corn and soybean meal, the Company’s primary feed ingredients, increased 4.5 percent and 9.2 percent, respectively, compared with the first quarter a year ago.

“We do not expect demand to improve until the economy gains some traction and consumers resume spending and dining out again,” Sanderson continued. “We will continue to manage our operations as efficiently as possible through this cycle and we do not plan to return to full production until we see an improvement in market conditions. However, we do expect that our feed costs will be lower this year as grain prices are also being affected by the economy and reduced demand.

“We continue to believe market forces will balance supply and demand for our industry over the long-term. Until consumer demand returns, any market price improvement will have to come from supply side reductions,” concluded Sanderson.

Sanderson Farms will hold a conference call to discuss this press release today, February 26, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. Central, 11:00 a.m. Eastern. Investors will have the opportunity to listen to a live Internet broadcast of the conference call through the Company’s Web site at www.sandersonfarms.com or through www.earnings.com. To listen to the live call, please go to the Web site at least 15 minutes early to register, download, and install any necessary audio software. For those who cannot listen to the live broadcast, an Internet replay will be available shortly after the call and continue through March 5, 2009. Those without Internet access may listen to the call by dialing (877) 718-5095.

Sanderson Farms, Inc. is engaged in the production, processing, marketing and distribution of fresh and frozen chicken and other prepared food items. Its shares trade on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol SAFM.

This press release contains forward-looking statements based on management’s current views and assumptions. Actual results and events may differ. For a discussion of these matters, please refer to the “Cautionary Statement Regarding Risks and Uncertainties That May Affect Future Performance” in Item 7 of the Company’s 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K and please refer to the cautionary statement found in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations under the heading “General” in Part I, Item 2 of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Company’s first quarter ended January 31, 2009.

SOURCE: Sanderson Farms, Inc.

Sanderson Farms, Inc.
Mike Cockrell
Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer
601-649-4030

 

Children racing out the door to catch the school bus with Pop-Tarts in hand and cafeterias serving lunches with dishes resembling fast food, school day meals often lack the healthier options that parents value for their kids. However after a day of school, work and activities, it’s easy for families to lose the motivation to prepare a home-cooked meal. Sanderson Farms has developed quick recipes to help families unwind while sharing dinner during the week.

By utilizing inexpensive ingredients commonly found in most kitchens, Sanderson Farms’ Pull From The Pantry program is helping families stay on schedule and on budget. From Italian breadcrumbs and pasta to rice and frozen vegetables, Sanderson Farms’ quick recipes incorporate household food staples.

The whole family will enjoy Sanderson Farms’ Asian inspired Chicken and Basil Stir Fry or classic Italian Chicken Parmesan. For a new take on sandwiches, Sanderson Farms has developed Chicken Lettuce Wraps and updated the traditional American Chicken Pot Pie, with recipes starting as low as two dollars per person.

These timesaving recipes feature Sanderson Farms 100 percent natural chicken as a lean and healthy, center of the plate ingredient. While some other companies are injecting their chicken with additives, such as salt and seaweed extract, Sanderson Farms offers, and always has, truly 100 percent natural chicken.

To sample Sanderson Farms’ Pull From The Pantry recipes, please visit www.pullfromthepantry.com.

Based in Laurel, Miss Sanderson Farms is engaged in the production, processing, marketing and distribution of fresh and frozen chicken and other prepared food items. Its shares trade on the NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol SAFM.

SOURCE Sanderson Farms

http://www.pullfromthepantry.com

Other directors, whose terms continue to future years, include: Fred Banks, Jr., Lampkin Butts, Toni Cooley, Beverly Wade Hogan, Robert Khayat, Phil Livingston, Dianne Mooney, Gail Jones Pittman, Charles Ritter and Joe Sanderson. In other action at the annual meeting, stockholders ratified the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company’s independent auditors for the fiscal year ending October 31, 2009. Ernst & Young has served as the independent auditors for Sanderson Farms since the Company went public in 1987. Stockholders also voted against a proposal presented by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

In his remarks to stockholders concerning the Company’s operations, Joe F. Sanderson, chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Sanderson Farms, said, “Fiscal 2008 was highlighted by a number of accomplishments as well as considerable challenges for Sanderson Farms. The current economic downturn in our country and the world has clearly affected both consumers and businesses alike, providing unique challenges for our Company and our industry.

“Our accomplishments for the year included record sales of over $1.724 billion, surpassing the previous year’s record of $1.475 billion. Our revenue growth since 1992 reflects our growth strategy that has seen us increase our production over each of the past 17 years. Despite this top line performance, however, we experienced challenging market conditions, including significantly higher grain costs, especially during the second half of our fiscal year. Like others in our industry, and most every other consumer industry in the country, our business in the second half of the year was affected by the economy and consumer concerns. While we expect these conditions to continue in fiscal 2009, we remain confident in our ability to confront these current challenges,” added Sanderson.

Sanderson Farms, Inc. is engaged in the production, processing, marketing and distribution of fresh and frozen chicken and other prepared food items. Its shares trade on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol SAFM.

This press release contains forward-looking statements based on management’s current views and assumptions. Actual results and events may differ. For a discussion of these matters, please refer to the “Cautionary Statement Regarding Risks and Uncertainties That May Affect Future Performance” in Item 7 of the Company’s 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Source: Sanderson Farms, Inc.

Sanderson Farms, Inc.
Mike Cockrell, Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer
601-649-4030

The live broadcast of Sanderson Farms’ conference call will begin at 10:00 a.m. Central Time, 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time on February 26. An online replay will be available approximately two hours following the conclusion of the live broadcast and will continue through March 5, 2009. Links to these events may be found at the investor relations section of the Company’s website, www.sandersonfarms.com, and from www.earnings.com. Those without Internet access may listen to the call by dialing (877) 718-5095.

Sanderson Farms, Inc. is engaged in the production, processing, marketing and distribution of fresh and frozen chicken and other prepared food items. Its shares trade on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol SAFM.

Source: Sanderson Farms, Inc.

Sanderson Farms, Inc.
Mike Cockrell
Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer
601-649-4030

On Thursday, November 6, 2008, two contestants will be selected to compete in the nine-person National Cook-off and its $50,000 grand prize in May 2009.  The two days of cooking and judging hosted by Sanderson Farms at its Foods Division in Jackson, Mississippi, is the first of four such events across the country.  Invited judges will select one finalist from the East North Central division (Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio) and one from the East South Central (Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi).  Each of the two divisional champs will receive $1,000 in addition to getting the chance to compete for the $50,000 grand prize.  A winner from each state has already been selected from the thousands of entries submitted by home cooks across the country.  The contestants themselves are not present for the state-level and division-level judging, but will attend and cook their dishes in the National Cook-off in a format similar to other top-level competitive cooking events.  In the state and regional judging, the dishes are prepared by professional cooks for the consideration of judges drawn mainly from regional news media.

“We are grateful to Sanderson Farms for hosting the first regional judging in the 48th National Chicken Cooking Contest,” said Nancy Tringali Piho, Director of the National Chicken Cooking Contest.  “We have many outstanding semi-finalist entries, so this will be a very competitive event.  Regional judging is a new feature this year so the judging at Sanderson Farms is the first of its kind and will sharpen the focus of the National Cook-off.”

The National Cook-off will be held May 2, 2009, in San Antonio, Texas, featuring nine contestants, each of whom represents an area of the country corresponding to the divisions established by the U.S. Bureau of the Census.  Other regional judging events will be held in Maryland, Arkansas, and California.

“The National Chicken Cooking Contest is a great event, and we are pleased to be involved in the preliminary stage,” said Hilary Burroughs, Manager of Marketing of Sanderson Farms.

 Sanderson Farms, Inc. is engaged in the production, processing, marketing and distribution of fresh and frozen chicken and other prepared food items.  Its shares trade on the NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol SAFM.

Related Links:

http://www.azfamily.com/health/weightloss/stories/Phoenix-health-news-082708-friendly-fam-recipes.1ba04270.html

Studies show that over the course of a year, children spend more time watching TV than they do in school or participating in any activity other than sleeping. By challenging families to take advantage of Backyard Bargains, budget-friendly activities within their own town, and create healthy make-at-home alternatives to kids’ favorite meals, Sanderson Farms is helping households break the couch potato habit.
 
Many summer getaways are being canceled due to high gas prices and tighter budgets, however vacation-goers can still enjoy quality time together without the out-of-town expenses. Backyard Bargains cost less than $13 and create active “together time” that can be found in any hometown. From learning about animals at the town zoo to a day of hiking and swimming at a local park, there are options that appeal to the whole clan. Sanderson Farms is recommending that families visit their local Convention & Visitors Bureaus, an endless source of Backyard Bargains, to discover discount attractions in their area.

As a busy day of learning, exercising and bonding can work-up an appetite, Sanderson Farms has “cooked” up recipes the whole household can create together at home. The nutritious recipes are modeled after kids’ favorite restaurant foods, but utilize Sanderson Farms chicken as a lean, low sodium, center of the plate ingredient. While some other companies are injecting their chicken with additives like sodium and seaweed extract, Sanderson Farms offers, and always has, honest to goodness 100 percent natural chicken. From sticky fingers barbeque pizza and chicken sloppy joe sandwiches to chicken fried rice and cheesy chicken quesadilla dippers, Steve Bonasia, Sanderson Farms’ executive chef, has developed a healthy recipe for any cuisine preference.

To sample Sanderson Farms’ kid-friendly recipes please visit www.sandersonfarmsrecipes.com.

###
Based in Laurel, Miss., Sanderson Farms is engaged in the production, processing, marketing and distribution of fresh and frozen chicken and other prepared food items. Its shares trade on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol SAFM.