Sanderson Farms, Inc. announced it has expanded its stock repurchase programme to one million shares.

The Company's Board of Directors previously authorised the repurchase of up to 225,000 shares in April 2008. Under the stock repurchase programme, shares may be purchased from time to time at prevailing prices in open market transactions or in negotiated purchases, subject to market conditions, share price and other considerations.

Sanderson Farms currently has approximately 20.3 million shares of common stock outstanding.

Joe F. Sanderson, Jr., chairman and chief executive officer of Sanderson Farms, said, ''We plan to use our expanded stock repurchase programme to offset shares issued through our equity compensation programmes. We believe this programme represents a good use of corporate funds while minimising potential dilution related to our equity compensation programmes.''

The Company has repurchased approximately 13,000 shares under the previously authorised stock repurchase programme. The newly authorised programme will provide Sanderson Farms with the capacity to purchase approximately 987,000 shares. The stock repurchase programme is authorised until April 24, 2012.

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