Source:  Lisa M. Keefe, MEATINGPLACE, 5/25/11

Sanderson Farms Inc. Chairman and CEO Joe Sanderson, Jr. reaffirmed the company’s commitment to building a poultry processing plant in South Carolina, even in the wake of losses in the second quarter of fiscal 2011.

The Laurel, Miss.-based processor yesterday reported a loss of $0.74 per share in the second quarter of fiscal 2011 versus a profit of $1.62 per share in the same period one year ago. Sanderson cited slightly lower net sales and significantly higher feed costs.

But in a conference call with industry analysts, Sanderson said the company is still committed to building the controversial poultry deboning plant in Nash County, N.C., although no timetable was announced. Sanderson Farms pot off plans to build the facility in February.

“(The plant construction) will remain on hold until we’re confident that we won’t be challenging our balance sheet. We’re not going to be foolish with our balance sheet,” Sanderson said.

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