<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<CIK> 0000902277
<NAME> Delta and Pine Land Company
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> AUG-31-2000
<PERIOD-START> SEP-01-1999
<PERIOD-END> MAY-31-2000
<CASH> 61,845
<SECURITIES> 0
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<PP&E> 100,034
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0
107
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<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 460,050
<SALES> 286,116
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 286,116
<CGS> 189,585
<TOTAL-COSTS> 189,585
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 8
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 265
<INCOME-PRETAX> 134,840
<INCOME-TAX> 47,868
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<CHANGES> (2,965)
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</TABLE>