<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<CIK> 0000812128
<NAME> SANDERSON FARMS, INC.
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
<CURRENCY> USD
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> OCT-31-2000
<PERIOD-START> NOV-01-1999
<PERIOD-END> JUL-31-2000
<EXCHANGE-RATE> 1.0
<CASH> 5,289
<SECURITIES> 0
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0
0
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<CGS> 427,905
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<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 5,930
<INCOME-PRETAX> (17,942)
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<EPS-BASIC> (.84)
<EPS-DILUTED> (.84)
</TABLE>