Exhibit 23.4


                                   FORM OF
                        CONSENT OF ARTHUR ANDERSEN & CO.



We refer to the Registration Statement filed on Form S-4 (the "Registration
Statement") which includes the Offers to Purchase dated July 30, 1998 by
Smithfield Canada Limited to the holders of Common Shares and Class A Shares 
of Schneider Corporation.

We consent to the use in this Registration Statement of our compilation report
dated July 29, 1998, to the Directors of Smithfield Foods, Inc. and
Smithfield Canada Limited on the following financial statements:

 o Pro forma consolidated condensed balance sheet as at May 3, 1998;

 o Pro forma consolidated condensed statement of income for the fiscal year
   ended May 3, 1998.


We report that we have read the Registration Statement referred to above and
have no reason to believe that there are any misrepresentations in the
information contained therein that is derived from the financial statements
upon which we have reported or that is within our knowledge as a result of our
audit of such financial statements.

This letter is provided to the securities regulatory authorities to which
it is addressed pursuant to the requirements of their securities regulations
and not for any other purpose.

                                        
                                        /s/ Arthur Andersen & Co.

Toronto, Ontario
July 29, 1998