Sanderson Farms reports record sales for 2008

Sanderson Farms announced record sales in 2008 of more than US$1.7 billion at its annual stockholders' meeting.

The company's sales reached US$1.724 billion, up from the previous year's record of US$1.475 billion, CEO Joe F. Sanderson said.

Despite the result, the company's performance was affected by higher grain costs and various challenging market conditions, especially during the second half of the fiscal year, Sanderson said.

Sanderson Farms Inc. is engaged in the production, processing, marketing and distribution of fresh and frozen chicken and other prepared food items.