Sanderson Farms, Inc. is a fully integrated poultry processing company engaged in the production, processing, marketing and distribution of fresh and frozen chicken products. The Company sells ice pack, chill pack and frozen chicken, in whole, cut-up and boneless form, primarily under the Sanderson Farms brand name to retailers, distributors and casual dining operators principally in the southeastern, southwestern and western United States. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2003, Sanderson processed 271.0 million chickens, or approximately 1.4 billion dressed pounds. The Company also operates in the processing, marketing and distribution of processed and prepared food items through its wholly owned subsidiary, Sanderson Farms, Inc. The Company sells over 100 processed and prepared food items, including further processed chicken products and frozen entrees, such as chicken and dumplings, lasagna, seafood gumbo and shrimp creole and other specialty products.