Exhibit 23

            Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements
(Form S-8 No. 333-67474 and Form S-8 No. 333-92412) pertaining to the Sanderson
Farms, Inc. and Affiliates Stock Option Plan of our report dated December 22,
2004, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of
Sanderson Farms, Inc. included in the Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year
ended October 31, 2004.

                                                     /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

New Orleans, Louisiana
December 22, 2004