EXHIBIT 99

[SANDERSON FARMS COMPANY LETTERHEAD]


      CONTACT: MIKE COCKRELL
               TREASURER & CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
               (601) 649-4030

                        SANDERSON FARMS, INC. ANNOUNCES
                          CHANGE IN BOARD OF DIRECTORS


LAUREL, Miss. (May 3, 2006) -- Sanderson Farms, Inc. (NASDAQ/NM: SAFM) announced
today that Robert Buck Sanderson has resigned from his position on the Sanderson
Farms Board of Directors effective yesterday. His current term was due to expire
at the 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Mr. Sanderson previously retired
from his position as an employee of the Company during 2004.

      "We want to recognize and thank Buck Sanderson for his many years of
service to the Company," commented Joe F. Sanderson, chief executive officer and
chairman of Sanderson Farms. "He made important contributions to the growth and
success of Sanderson Farms as the Company emerged from a family farm supply
business to one of the top five poultry producers in the country. We wish him
the best of continued success."

      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.

      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 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K.


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