10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D. C.  20549

Form 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Quarter Ended September 29, 2012 Commission File Number  0-01989

Seneca Foods Corporation

(Exact name of Company as specified in its charter)

New York	16-0733425
(State or other jurisdiction of	(I. R. S. Employer
incorporation or organization)	Identification No.)

3736 South Main Street, Marion, New York	14505
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)

Company's telephone number, including area code          315/926-8100

Not Applicable

Former name, former address and former fiscal year,

if changed since last report

Indicate by check mark whether the Company (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Company was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes  þ No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes  þ No  

Indicate by check mark whether the Company is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer  ¨  Accelerated filer  þ Non-accelerated filer  ¨ Smaller reporting company  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the Company is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes ¨  No   þ

The number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock at the latest practical date are:

Class	Shares Outstanding at October 18, 2012
Common Stock Class A, $.25 Par	8,687,370
Common Stock Class B, $.25 Par	2,082,282

	Seneca Foods Corporation
	Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
	Table of Contents
		Page
PART 1	FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1	Financial Statements:
	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets-September 29, 2012, October 1, 2011 and  March 31, 2012		1
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Net Earnings-Three and Six Months Ended
	September 29, 2012 and October 1, 2011		2
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income-Six Months Ended
	September 29, 2012 and October 1, 2011		2
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows-Six Months Ended
	September 29, 2012 and October 1, 2011		3
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity-Six Months Ended
	September 29, 2012		4
	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements		5
Item 2	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
	and Results of Operations		10
Item 3	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk		17
Item 4	Controls and Procedures		18
PART II	OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1	Legal Proceedings		19
Item 1A	Risk Factors		19
Item 2	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds		19
Item 3	Defaults Upon Senior Securities		19
Item 4	Mine Safety Disclosures		19
Item 5	Other Information		19
Item 6	Exhibits		19
SIGNATURES			21

SENECA FOODS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
	Unaudited			Unaudited
	September 29,			October 1,			March 31,
	2012			2011			2012
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	18,800		$	10,087		$	9,420
Accounts Receivable, Net		83,506			84,072			77,105
Loan Receivable (Note 2)		-			10,000			10,000
Inventories (Note 3):
Finished Goods		650,324			631,862			307,912
Work in Process		5,982			10,268			16,083
Raw Materials and Supplies		70,592			91,013			108,438
Total Inventories		726,898			733,143			432,433
Deferred Income Tax Asset, Net		9,279			7,607			8,637
Refundable Income Taxes		-			5,529			316
Other Current Assets		17,001			14,564			5,339
Total Current Assets		855,484			865,002			543,250
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net		190,231			186,324			192,825
Deferred Income Tax Asset, Net		279			-			403
Other Assets		1,368			1,749			1,558
Total Assets	$	1,047,362		$	1,053,075		$	738,036
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Accounts Payable	$	281,209		$	278,690		$	61,074
Accrued Vacation		10,576			10,450			10,506
Accrued Payroll		11,335			11,464			7,793
Other Accrued Expenses		28,630			29,704			31,459
Income Taxes Payable		4,954			-			-
Current Portion of Long-Term Debt		42,941			12,120			7,336
Total Current Liabilities		379,645			342,428			118,168
Long-Term Debt, Less Current Portion (Note 4)		276,530			318,825			226,873
Deferred Income Taxes		-			4,680			-
Other Long-Term Liabilities		41,563			38,544			38,322
Total Liabilities		697,738			704,477			383,363
Commitments
Stockholders' Equity:
Preferred Stock		6,244			6,271			6,268
Common Stock, $.25 Par Value Per Share		2,942			2,938			2,938
Additional Paid-in Capital		92,211			92,062			92,139
Treasury Stock, at cost		(29,300	)		(257	)		(1,435	)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss		(23,255	)		(14,161	)		(23,319	)
Retained Earnings		300,782			261,745			278,082
Total Stockholders' Equity		349,624			348,598			354,673
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	$	1,047,362		$	1,053,075		$	738,036
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

1

SENECA FOODS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF NET EARNINGS
(Unaudited)
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	September 29,			October 1,			September 29,			October 1,
	2012			2011			2012			2011
Net Sales	$	317,593		$	282,689		$	548,644		$	540,525
Costs and Expenses:
Cost of Product Sold		276,688			261,336			478,664			513,316
Selling and Administrative		16,245			15,409			31,073			31,513
Plant Restructuring		-			(15	)		-			39
Other Operating Income		(274	)		(18	)		(292	)		(169	)
Total Costs and Expenses		292,659			276,712			509,445			544,699
Operating Income (Loss)		24,934			5,977			39,199			(4,174	)
Interest Expense, Net		1,836			1,880			3,314			3,666
Earnings (Loss) Before Income Taxes		23,098			4,097			35,885			(7,840	)
Income Taxes Expense (Benefit)		8,577			1,214			13,173			(2,748	)
Net  Earnings (Loss)	$	14,521		$	2,883		$	22,712		$	(5,092	)
Earnings (Loss) Attributable to Common Stock	$	14,010		$	2,779		$	21,920		$	(4,930	)
Basic Earnings (Loss) per Common Share (Note 9)	$	1.23		$	0.24		$	1.90		$	(0.42	)
Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Common Share (Note 9)	$	1.22		$	0.24		$	1.89		$	(0.42	)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

SENECA FOODS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
(In Thousands)
	Three Months Ended					Six Months Ended
	September 29,		October 1,			September 29,		October 1,
	2012		2011			2012		2011
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net earnings (loss)	$	14,521	$	2,883		$	22,712	$	(5,092	)
Change in pension and post retirement benefits (net of tax)		90		(52	)		64		(52	)
Total	$	14,611	$	2,831		$	22,776	$	(5,144	)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

2

SENECA FOODS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(In Thousands)
	Six Months Ended
	September 29, 2012			October 1, 2011
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net Earnings (Loss)	$	22,712		$	(5,092	)
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Earnings (Loss) to
Net Cash Used in Operations:
Depreciation & Amortization		11,424			11,188
Gain on the Sale of Assets		(292	)		(169	)
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)		(559	)		1,634
Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities:
Accounts Receivable		(6,401	)		(5,536	)
Inventories		(294,465	)		(277,907	)
Other Current Assets		(7,988	)		(14,454	)
Income Taxes		5,270			(6,018	)
Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses
and Other Liabilities		224,166			211,197
Net Cash Used in Operations		(46,133	)		(85,157	)
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Additions to Property, Plant and Equipment		(12,317	)		(9,239	)
Proceeds from the Sale of Assets		306			169
Payment of Loan Receivable		10,000			-
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities		(2,011	)		(9,070	)
Cash Flow from Financing Activities:
Long-Term Borrowing		249,465			232,269
Payments on Long-Term Debt		(164,203	)		(133,943	)
Borrowings on Notes Payable		-			2,606
Other		139			(1,368	)
Purchase of Treasury Stock		(27,865	)		-
Dividends		(12	)		(12	)
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities		57,524			99,552
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents		9,380			5,325
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of the Period		9,420			4,762
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of the Period	$	18,800		$	10,087
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

3

SENECA FOODS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(Unaudited)
(In Thousands)
						Additional					Accumulated Other
	Preferred			Common		Paid-In		Treasury			Comprehensive			Retained
	Stock			Stock		Capital		Stock			Loss			Earnings
Balance March 31, 2012	$	6,268		$	2,938	$	92,139	$	(1,435	)	$	(23,319	)	$	278,082
Net earnings		-			-		-		-			-			22,712
Cash dividends
on preferred stock		-			-		-		-			-			(12	)
Equity incentive program		-			3		20		-			-			-
Stock issued for profit sharing plan (Note 5)		-			-		29		-			-			-
Preferred stock conversion (Note 5)		(24	)		1		23		-			-			-
Purchase treasury stock (Note 5)									(27,865	)
Change in pension and post retirement
benefits adjustment (net of tax benefit $41)		-			-		-		-			64			-
Balance September 29, 2012	$	6,244		$	2,942	$	92,211	$	(29,300	)	$	(23,255	)	$	300,782
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

4

SENECA FOODS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

September 29, 2012

1. Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments, which are normal and recurring in nature, necessary to present fairly the financial position of Seneca Foods Corporation (the “Company”) as of September 29, 2012 and results of its operations and its cash flows for the interim periods presented.  All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.  The March 31, 2012 balance sheet was derived from the audited consolidated financial statements.  Certain previously reported amounts for the period ended October 1, 2011 have been reclassified to conform to the current period classification.

The results of operations for the three and sixmonth periods ended September 29, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

In the six months ended September 29, 2012, the Company sold $38,593,000 of Green Giant finished goods inventory to General Mills Operations, LLC (“GMOL”) for cash, on a bill and hold basis, as compared to $32,897,000 for the six months ended October 1, 2011.  Under the terms of the bill and hold agreement, title to the specified inventory transferred to GMOL.  The Company believes it has met the criteria required for bill and hold treatment.

The accounting policies followed by the Company are set forth in Note 1 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company’s 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K.  In addition, the following accounting policy has changed this fiscal year based on adopting ASU No. 2011-04, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures”:

Fair Value of Financial Instruments--The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, short-term debt (classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy) and accounts payable approximate cost because of the immediate and short-term maturity of these financial instruments.  See note 10 Fair Value of Financial Instruments, for a discussion of the fair value of long-term debt.

Other footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been condensed or omitted.  These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes included in the Company's 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

All references to years are fiscal years ended or ending March 31 unless otherwise indicated.  Certain percentage tables may not foot due to rounding.

2. During the quarter ended October 1, 2011, the Company acquired $10.0 million of the lending commitments (the "Loan Commitment") made by various lenders under the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated July 29, 2011 by and among the Borrower ("Borrower"), Bank of America, N.A. as administrative agent and letter of credit issuer, and various other lenders (the "Borrower Credit Facility"), and thus became a co-lender under the Borrower Credit Facility.  Upon the closing of such transaction, the Company advanced a total of $10.0 million to fund (i) the Company's then current portion of total advances made to the Borrower under the Credit Agreement and (ii) the balance of the Company's $10.0 million Loan Commitment. The Company acquired the Loan Commitment in connection with negotiations between the Company and the Borrower concerning the Company's possible acquisition of the Borrower through a merger transaction.  The Company and the Borrower are no longer pursuing such potential acquisition.  All of the Borrower obligations under the Borrower Credit Facility, including those owing to the Company, were due to mature on March 30, 2012.  In April 2012, the Company received a partial repayment or $3.7 million.  In June 2012, the Company received the remaining $6.3 million due plus interest accrued and the Company has no further obligations with respect to the Loan Commitment.

5

3. First-In, First-Out (“FIFO”) based inventory costs exceeded LIFO based inventory costs by $134.8 million as of the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2013 as compared to $109.2 million as of the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2012.  The change in the LIFO Reserve for the three months ended September 29, 2012 was a decrease of $3,706,000 as compared to an increase of $12,754,000 for the three months ended October 1, 2011.  The LIFO Reserve decreased by $2,444,000 in the first six months of fiscal 2013 compared to an increase of $19,281,000 in the first six months of fiscal 2012.  This reflects the projected impact of decreased inflationary cost increases expected in fiscal 2013 versus fiscal 2012.

4. The Company completed the closing of a new five year revolving credit facility (“Revolver”) on July 20, 2011.  Maximum borrowings under the Revolver total $250,000,000 from April through July and $350,000,000 from August through March.  The Revolver balance as of September 29, 2012 was $233,000,000 and is included in Long-Term Debt in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet due to its five year term. The Company utilizes its Revolver for general corporate purposes, including seasonal working capital needs, to pay debt principal and interest obligations, and to fund capital expenditures and acquisitions.  Seasonal working capital needs are affected by the growing cycles of the vegetables and fruits the Company processes.  The majority of vegetable and fruit inventories are produced during the months of June through November and are then sold over the following year.  Payment terms for vegetable and fruit produce are generally three months but can vary from a few days to seven months.  Accordingly, the Company’s need to draw on the Revolver may fluctuate significantly throughout the year.

The decrease in average amount of Revolver borrowings during the first six months of fiscal 2013 compared to the first six months of fiscal 2012 was attributable to improved operating results partially offset by the share repurchases and additional seasonal working capital needs.

General terms of the Revolver include payment of interest at LIBOR plus a defined spread.

The following table documents the quantitative data for Revolver borrowings during the second quarter and year-to-date periods of fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012:

6

SENECA FOODS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

September 29, 2012

	Second Quarter						Year-to-Date
	2013			2012			2013			2012
	(In thousands)						(In thousands)
Reported end of period:
Outstanding borrowings	$	233,000		$	237,413		$	233,000		$	237,413
Weighted average interest rate		1.47	%		1.73	%		1.47	%		1.73	%
Reported during the period:
Maximum amount of borrowings	$	234,000		$	243,067		$	234,000		$	243,067
Average outstanding borrowings		152,537			159,968			132,009			138,240
Weighted average interest rate		1.50	%		1.62	%		1.54	%		1.47	%

5. During the six-month period ended September 29, 2012, there were 14,000 shares, or $4,000, of Class B Common Stock (at Par), converted to Class A Common Stock and there were 2,000 shares, or $24,000 of Participating Preferred Stock, also converted to Class A Common Stock.  During the six month period ended September 29, 2012, the Company repurchased 69,554 shares or $1,935,000 of its Class A Common Stock.  As of September 29, 2012, 134,387 shares or $3,370,000 of stock have been repurchased under the Company's share repurchase program.  In addition, on August 30, 2012, the Company repurchased 864,334 shares of Class A Common Stock in a Board approved transaction outside of the Company's share repurchase program for $25,930,000.  All shares were repurchased as Treasury Stock and are not considered outstanding.  During the three month period ended June 30, 2012, there were 1,330 shares, or $29,000 of Class B Common Stock issued in lieu of cash compensation under the Company’s Profit Sharing Bonus Plan.

6. The net periodic benefit cost for the Company’s pension plan consisted of:

	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	September 29,			October 1,			September 29,			October 1,
	2012			2011			2011			2011
Service  Cost	$	2,223		$	1,501		$	4,444		$	3,003
Interest Cost		1,763			1,705			3,527			3,410
Expected Return on Plan Assets		(2,291	)		(1,957	)		(4,582	)		(3,914	)
Amortization of Actuarial Loss		337			375			675			749
Amortization of Transition Asset		(57	)		(69	)		(114	)		(138	)
Net Periodic Benefit Cost	$	1,975		$	1,555		$	3,950		$	3,110

No contributions were required or made in the three and six month periods ended September 29, 2012 and October 1, 2011.

7 During the six months ended September 29, 2012, the Company sold unused fixed assets which resulted in a gain of $292,000 as compared to a gain of $169,000 during the six months ended October 1, 2011.  During the three months ended September 29, 2012, the Company sold unused land in Cambria, Wisconsin which resulted in a book gain of $239,000.  A portion of the tax gain on this sale is expected to be deferred via a Like Kind Exchange transaction within six months of the sale of this property.  These gains are included in other operating income in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Net Earnings.

7

8. Recently Issued and Adopted Accounting Standards - There were no recently issued accounting pronouncements that impacted the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements. In addition, the Company did not adopt any new accounting pronouncements during the quarter ended September 29, 2012.

9. Earnings per share for the Quarters Ended September 29, 2012 and October 1, 2011 are as follows:

		Q U A R T E R				YEAR TO DATE
	Fiscal		Fiscal		Fiscal		Fiscal
	2013		2012		2013		2012
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Basic
Net  earnings (loss)	$	14,521	$	2,883	$	22,712	$	$ (5,092)
Deduct preferred stock dividends paid		6		6		12		12
Undistributed earnings (loss)		14,515		2,877		22,700		(5,104)
Earnings (loss) attributable to participating preferred		505		98		780		(174)
Earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders	$	14,010	$	2,779	$	21,920	$	(4,930)
Weighted average common shares outstanding		11,374		11,737		11,531		11,736
Basic earnings (loss) per common share	$	1.23	$	0.24	$	1.90	$	(0.42)
Diluted
Earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders	$	14,010	$	2,779	$	21,920	$	(4,930)
Add dividends on convertible preferred stock		5		5		10		10
Earnings (loss) attributable to common stock on a diluted basis	$	14,015	$	2,784	$	21,930	$	(4,920)
Weighted average common shares outstanding-basic		11,374		11,737		11,531		11,736
Additional shares issuable related to the
equity compensation plan		4		4		4		4
Additional shares to be issued under full
conversion of preferred stock		67		67		67		67
Total shares for diluted		11,445		11,808		11,602		11,807
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share	$	1.22	$	0.24	$	1.89	$	(0.42)

8

SENECA FOODS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

September 29, 2012

10. As required by Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 825, “Financial Instruments,” the Company estimates the fair values of financial instruments on a quarterly basis.  The estimated fair value for long-term debt (classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy) is determined by the quoted market prices for similar debt (comparable to the Company’s financial strength) or current rates offered to the Company for debt with the same maturities.  Long-term debt, including current portion had a carrying amount of $319,471,000 and an estimated fair value of $316,635,000 as of September 29, 2012.  As of March 31, 2012, the carrying amount was $234,209,000 and the estimated fair value was $231,416,000.  The fair values of all the other financial instruments approximate their carrying value due to their short-term nature.

11. In June 2010, the Company received a Notice of Violation of the California Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, commonly known as Proposition 65, from the Environmental Law Foundation ("ELF").  This notice was made to the California Attorney General and various other government officials, and to 49 companies including Seneca Foods Corporation whom ELF alleges manufactured, distributed or sold packaged peaches, pears, fruit cocktail and fruit juice that contain lead without providing a clear and reasonable warning to consumers.  Under California law, proper notice must be made to the State and involved firms at least 60 days before any suit under Proposition 65 may be filed by private litigants like ELF.  That 60-day period has expired and to date neither the California Attorney General nor any appropriate district attorney or city attorney has initiated an action against the Company.  However, private litigant ELF filed an action against the Company and 27 other named companies on September 28, 2011, in Superior Court of Alameda County, California, alleging violations of Proposition 65 and seeking various measures of relief, including injunctive and declaratory relief and civil penalties.  The Company, along with the other named companies, is vigorously defending itself from such claim and has filed a responsive answer.  The discovery process is ongoing and the litigation is proceeding in accordance with court schedules.  As this matter is still at a very early stage, we are not able to predict the probability of the outcome or estimate of loss, if any, related to this matter.  Additionally, in the ordinary course of its business, the Company is made party to certain legal proceedings seeking monetary damages, including proceedings invoking product liability claims, either directly or through indemnification obligations, and we are not able to predict the probability of the outcome or estimate of loss, if any, related to any such matter.

9

ITEM 2 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

September 29, 2012

Seneca Foods Corporation (the “Company”) is a leading low cost producer and distributor of high quality processed fruits and vegetables.  The Company’s product offerings include canned, frozen and bottled produce and snack chips.  Its products are sold under private label as well as national and regional brands that the Company owns or licenses, including Seneca®, Libby’s®, Aunt Nellie’s Farm Kitchen®, Stokely’s®, Read® Taste of the West®, Cimarron® and Tendersweet®.  The Company’s canned fruits and vegetables are sold nationwide by major grocery outlets, including supermarkets, mass merchandisers, limited assortment stores, club stores and dollar stores.  The Company also sells its products to foodservice distributors, industrial markets, other food processors, export customers in over 80 countries and federal, state and local governments for school and other food programs.  In addition, the Company packs Green Giant®, Le Sueur® and other brands of canned vegetables as well as select Green Giant® frozen vegetables for General Mills Operations, LLC (“GMOL”) under a long-term Alliance Agreement.

The Company’s raw product is harvested mainly between June through November. The Company experienced unfavorable growing conditions related to our pea harvest this summer reflecting a combination of high temperatures and uneven moisture.  These difficult growing conditions unfavorably impacted pea crop yields and plant recovery rates which resulted in unfavorable manufacturing variances.

Results of Operations:

Sales:

Second fiscal quarter 2013 results include net sales of $317.6 million, which represents a 12.3% increase, or $34.9 million, from the second quarter of fiscal 2012.  The increase in sales is attributable to increased selling prices and more favorable sales mix of $23.7 million and a sales volume increase of $11.2 million.  Much of the sales increase can be attributed to stronger promotional activity than the prior year.  The increase in sales is primarily from a $17.8 million increase in Canned Vegetable sales due to increased net unit selling prices and volume increases compared to the same period last year, $10.7 million increase in Fruit sales and an $8.9 million increase in Green Giant Alliance sales, partially offset by a $3.4 million decrease in Frozen sales.

Six months ended September 29, 2012 results include net sales of $548.6 million, which represents a 1.5% increase, or $8.1 million, from the six months ended October 1, 2011.  The increase in sales is attributable to increased selling prices and more favorable sales mix of $54.3 million partially offset by a sales volume reduction of $46.2 million.  The increase in sales is primarily from a $4.5 million increase in Canned Vegetable sales due to increased net unit selling prices, $4.9 million increase in Fruit sales and a $9.4 million increase in Green Giant Alliance sales, partially offset by an $11.6 million decrease in Frozen sales.

The following table presents sales by product category (in millions):

10

ITEM 2 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

September 29, 2012

	Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
	September 29,		October 1,		September 29,		October 1,
	2012		2011		2012		2011
Canned Vegetables	$	188.4	$	170.6	$	339.1	$	334.6
GMOL*		45.5		36.6		51.4		42.0
Frozen		19.0		22.4		39.7		51.3
Fruit Products		57.6		46.9		103.5		98.6
Snack		3.0		3.1		5.9		6.6
Other		4.1		3.1		9.0		7.4
	$	317.6	$	282.7	$	548.6	$	540.5
*GMOL includes frozen vegetable sales exclusively for GMOL.

Operating Income:

The following table presents components of operating income (loss) as a percentage of net sales:

	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	September 29,			October 1,			September 29,			October 1,
	2012			2011			2012			2011
Gross Margin		12.9	%		7.6	%		12.8	%		5.0	%
Selling		2.8	%		3.0	%		3.0	%		3.3	%
Administrative		2.4	%		2.5	%		2.7	%		2.6	%
Other Operating Income		(0.1	) %		-	%		(0.1	) %		-	%
Operating Income (Loss)		7.8	%		2.1	%		7.2	%		(0.9	) %
Interest Expense, Net		0.6	%		0.7	%		0.6	%		0.7	%

For the three month period ended September 29, 2012, the gross margin increased from the prior year quarter from 7.6% to 12.9% due primarily to higher net selling prices (after considering promotions) and a LIFO credit in the current year as compared to a charge in prior year.  The LIFO credit for the second quarter ended September 29, 2012 was $3,706,000 as compared to a charge of $12,754,000 for the second quarter ended October 1, 2011 and reflects the impact on the quarter of decreased inflationary cost increases expected in fiscal 2013, compared to fiscal 2012.  On an after-tax basis, LIFO net earnings increased by $2,409,000 for the quarter ended September 29, 2012 and decreased LIFO net earnings by $8,290,000 for the quarter ended October 1, 2011, based on the statutory federal income tax rate.

For the six month period ended September 29, 2012, the gross margin increased from the prior year period from 5.0% to 12.8% due primarily to a LIFO credit in the current year as compared to a charge in prior year and lower net selling prices (after considering promotions) compared to the prior year end.  The LIFO credit for the six months ended September 29, 2012 was $2,444,000 as compared to a charge of $19,281,000 for the six months ended October 1, 2011 and reflects the impact on the six months of reduced inflationary cost increases expected in fiscal 2013, compared to fiscal 2012.  On an after-tax basis, LIFO increased net earnings by $1,589,000 for the six months ended September 29, 2012 and decreased net earnings by $12,533,000 for the six months ended October 1, 2011, based on the statutory federal income tax rate.

11

For the three month period ended September 29, 2012, selling costs as a percentage of sales decreased from 3.0% to 2.8% for the same period in the prior year.  For the six month period ended September 29, 2012, selling costs as a percentage of sales decreased from 3.3% to 3.0%. The six month decrease is partially a result of the Green Giant Alliance sales increase, which don't incur selling costs.

For the three month period ended September 29, 2012, administrative expense as a percentage of sales decreased from 2.5% to 2.4% due primarily to sales increasing at a higher rate than these expenses in the current period.  For the six month period ended September 29, 2012, administrative expense as a percentage of sales increased from 2.6% to 2.7% due primarily to higher employment costs in the current period than the prior period.

During the six months ended September 29, 2012, the Company sold some unused fixed assets which resulted in a gain of $292,000.  During the six months ended October 1, 2011, the Company sold some unused fixed assets which resulted in a gain of $169,000. These gains are included in other operating income in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Net Earnings.

Interest expense for the second quarter and six months ended September 29, 2012, as a percentage of sales, decreased from 0.7% to 0.6% from the second quarter and six months ended October 1, 2011.  This decrease was due to the income and fees earned on the Allens Credit Facility and decreased long-term debt attributable to scheduled debt payments partially offset, in part, by higher interest expense related to the Company’s Revolver.

Income Taxes:

The effective tax rate was 36.7% and 35.1% for the six month periods ended September 29, 2012 and October 1, 2011, respectively.  Of the 1.6 percentage point increase in the effective tax rate for this period, the major contributors to this increase are the following items, 1) with higher pre-tax earnings in the current year, certain state rates which have graduated tax rates result in a higher rate of income taxes, and 2) the manufacturers deduction is a lower percentage of current year earnings than the prior year.  These items were partially offset by the reversal of certain tax reserves related to Research and Experimentation Credit.

Earnings per Share:

Basic earnings per share were $1.23 and $0.24 for the three months ended September 29, 2012 and October 1, 2011, respectively.  Diluted earnings per share were $1.22 and $0.24 for the three months ended September 29, 2012 and October 1, 2011, respectively.  Basic earnings per share were $1.90 and $(0.42) for the six months ended September 29, 2012 and October 1, 2011, respectively.  Diluted earnings per share were $1.89 and $(0.42) for the six months ended September 29, 2012 and October 1, 2011, respectively.  For details of the calculation of these amounts, refer to footnote 9 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

12

ITEM 2 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

September 29, 2012

Liquidity and Capital Resources:

The financial condition of the Company is summarized in the following table and explanatory review:

	September 29,		October 1,		March 31,		March 31,
	2012		2011		2012		2011
Working capital:
Balance	$	475,839	$	522,574	$	425,082	$	294,712
Change during quarter		90,929		123,655
Long-term debt, less current portion		276,530		318,825		226,873		90,060
Total stockholders' equity per equivalent
common share (see Note)		31.09		28.53		29.14		28.96
Stockholders' equity per common share		31.88		29.16		29.81		29.61
Current ratio		2.25		2.53		4.60		2.13

Note: Equivalent common shares are either common shares or, for convertible preferred shares, the number of common shares that the preferred shares are convertible into.  See Note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company’s 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K for conversion details.

As shown in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, net cash used in operating activities was $46.1 million in the first six months of fiscal 2013, compared to $85.2 million in the first six months of fiscal 2012.  The $39.1 million decrease in cash used is primarily attributable to increased net earnings of $27.8 million as previously discussed, a $13.0 million increase in cash provided by accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities and a $6.5 million decrease in cash used by other current assets, all as compared to the first six months of fiscal 2012, partially offset by a $294.5 million increase in inventory in the first six months of fiscal 2013 as compared to $277.9 million increase in inventory in the first six months of fiscal 2012,  a $0.9 million increase in cash used by accounts receivable.

As compared to October 1, 2011, inventory decreased $6.2 million to $726.9 million at September 29, 2012.  The components of the inventory decrease reflect an $18.5 million increase in finished goods, a $4.3 million decrease in work in process and a $20.4 million decrease in raw materials and supplies.  The finished goods increase reflects higher inventory quantities attributable to an early pack due to the heat in fiscal year 2013 versus fiscal year 2012.  The raw materials and supplies decrease is primarily due to a decrease in cans and raw steel quantities compared to the prior year.  FIFO based inventory costs exceeded LIFO based inventory costs by $134.8 million as of the end of the second quarter of 2013 as compared to $109.2 million as of the end of the second quarter of 2012.

Cash used in investing activities was $2.0 million in the first six months of fiscal 2013 compared to $9.1 million in the first six months of fiscal 2012.  The repayment of the Loan Receivable of $10.0 million in the first six months of fiscal 2013 was more than offset by the additions to property, plant and equipment which totaled $12.3 million in the first six months of fiscal 2013 as compared to $9.2 million in first six months of fiscal 2012.

Cash provided by financing activities was $57.5 million in the first six months of fiscal 2013, which included borrowings of $249.5 million and the repayment of $164.2 million of long-term debt, principally consisting of borrowing and repayment on the revolving credit facility (“Revolver”).  The Company repurchased $27.9 million of its stock during the first six months of fiscal 2013.  Excluding the Revolver, borrowings and repayments during the first six months of fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012 were zero and $2.6 million, respectively.

13

The Company completed the closing of a new five year revolving credit facility on July 20, 2011.  Available borrowings on the Revolver total $250,000,000 from April through July and $350,000,000 from August through March with a maturity date of July 20, 2016.  The interest rate on the Revolver is based on LIBOR plus an applicable margin based on excess availability and the Company's fixed charge coverage ratio.  As of September 29, 2012, the interest rate was approximately 1.47% on a balance of $233.0 million.  We believe that cash flows from operations, availability under our Revolver and other financing sources will provide adequate funds for our working capital needs, planned capital expenditures, and debt obligations for at least the next 12 months.

The Company’s credit facilities contain standard representations and warranties, events of default, and certain affirmative and negative covenants, including various financial covenants.  At September 29, 2012, the Company was in compliance with all such financial covenants.

New Accounting Standards

Refer to footnote 8 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Seasonality

The Company's revenues are typically higher in the second and third fiscal quarters. This is due in part because the Company sells, on a bill and hold basis, Green Giant canned and frozen vegetables to GMOL at the end of each pack cycle, which typically occurs during these quarters.  GMOL buys the product from the Company at cost plus a specified fee for each equivalent case.  See the Critical Accounting Policies section below for further details.  The Company’s non-Green Giant sales also exhibit seasonality with the third fiscal quarter generating the highest retail sales due to holidays that occur during that quarter.

Forward-Looking Information

The information contained in this report contains, or may contain, forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  These statements appear in a number of places in this report and include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company or its officers (including statements preceded by, followed by or that include the words “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates” or similar expressions) with respect to various matters, including (i) the Company’s anticipated needs for, and the availability of, cash, (ii) the Company’s liquidity and financing plans, (iii) the Company’s ability to successfully integrate acquisitions into its operations, (iv) trends affecting the Company’s financial condition or results of operations, including anticipated sales price levels and anticipated expense levels, in particular higher production, fuel and transportation costs, (v) the Company’s plans for expansion of its business (including through acquisitions) and cost savings, and (vi) the impact of competition.

Because such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements, which speak only as of the date the statements were made.  Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are:

14

·   general economic and business conditions;

·   cost and availability of commodities and other raw materials such as vegetables, steel and packaging materials;

·   transportation costs;

·   climate and weather affecting growing conditions and crop yields;

·   the availability of financing;

·   leverage and the Company’s ability to service and reduce its debt;

·   foreign currency exchange and interest rate fluctuations;

·   effectiveness of the Company’s marketing and trade promotion programs;

·   changing consumer preferences;

·   competition;

·   product liability claims;

·   the loss of significant customers or a substantial reduction in orders from these customers;

·   changes in, or the failure or inability to comply with, U.S., foreign and local governmental regulations, including environmental and health and safety regulations; and

·   other risks detailed from time to time in the reports filed by the Company with the SEC.

Except for ongoing obligations to disclose material information as required by the federal securities laws, the Company does not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of the filing of this report or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Critical Accounting Policies

In the six months ended September 29, 2012, the Company sold $38,593,000 of Green Giant finished goods inventory to General Mills Operations, LLC (“GMOL”) for cash, on a bill and hold basis, as compared to $32,897,000 for the six months ended October 1, 2011.  Under the terms of the bill and hold agreement, title to the specified inventory transferred to GMOL.  The Company believes it has met the criteria required for bill and hold treatment.

Trade promotions are an important component of the sales and marketing of the Company’s branded products, and are critical to the support of the business. Trade promotion costs, which are recorded as a reduction of net sales, include amounts paid to encourage retailers to offer temporary price reductions for the sale of our products to consumers, amounts paid to obtain favorable display positions in retailers’ stores, and amounts paid to retailers for shelf space in retail stores. Accruals for trade promotions are recorded primarily at the time of sale of product to the retailer based on expected levels of performance. Settlement of these liabilities typically occurs in subsequent periods primarily through an authorized process for deductions taken by a retailer from amounts otherwise due to us. As a result, the ultimate cost of a trade promotion program is dependent on the relative success of the events and the actions and level of deductions taken by retailers for amounts they consider due to them. Final determination of the permissible deductions may take extended periods of time.

15

The Company assesses its long-lived assets for impairment whenever there is an indicator of impairment. Property, plant, and equipment are depreciated over their assigned lives. The assigned lives and the projected cash flows used to test impairment are subjective. If actual lives are shorter than anticipated or if future cash flows are less than anticipated, a future impairment charge or a loss on disposal of the assets could be incurred. Impairment losses are evaluated if the estimated undiscounted value of the cash flows is less than the carrying value. If such is the case, a loss is recognized when the carrying value of an asset exceeds its fair value.

16

ITEM 3 Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

In the ordinary course of business, the Company is exposed to various market risk factors, including changes in general economic conditions, competition and raw material pricing and availability.  In addition, the Company is exposed to fluctuations in interest rates, primarily related to its revolving credit facility.  To manage interest rate risk, the Company uses both fixed and variable interest rate debt.  There have been no material changes to the Company’s exposure to market risk since March 31, 2012.

17

ITEM 4 Controls and Procedures

The Company maintains a system of internal and disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported on a timely basis. The Company’s Board of Directors, operating through its Audit Committee, which is composed entirely of independent outside directors, provides oversight to the financial reporting process.

An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of the end of the period covered by this report.  Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of September 29, 2012, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.  The Company continues to examine, refine and formalize its disclosure controls and procedures and to monitor ongoing developments in this area.

There have been no changes during the period covered by this report to the Company's internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

18

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.                       Legal Proceedings

None.

Item 1A.                    Risk Factors

There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in the Company’s Form 10-K for the period ended March 31, 2012.

Item 2.   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

	Total Number of			Average Price Paid		Total Number	Maximum Number
	Shares Purchased (1)			per Share		of Shares	(or Approximate
						Purchased as	Dollar Value) or
						Part of Publicly	Shares that May
						Announced	Yet Be Purchased
	Class A	Class B	Class A		Class B	Plans or	Under the Plans or
Period	Common	Common	Common		Common	Programs	Programs
7/01/12 –	13,300	-	$	28.49	-	-
7/31/12
8/01/12 –	885,313	-	$	29.94	-	7,979
8/31/12
9/01/12 –	43,880	-	$	29.30	-	43,880
9/30/12
Total	942,493	-	$	29.89	-	51,859	365,613

(1)  26,300 shares were purchased in open market transactions by the trustees under the Seneca Foods Corporation Employees' Savings Plan 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan to provide employee matching contributions under the plan.

Item 3.                          Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4.                          Mine Safety Disclosures

None.

Item 5.                          Other Information

None.

Item 6.                          Exhibits

31.1 Certification of Kraig H. Kayser pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith)

31.2 Certification of Timothy J. Benjamin pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith)

32 Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith)

101 The following materials from Seneca Foods Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 29, 2012, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language):  (i) consolidated balance sheets, (ii) consolidated statements of net earnings, (iii) condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income, (iv) consolidated statements of cash flows, (v) consolidated statement of stockholders’ equity and (vi) the notes to the consolidated financial statements.**

19

**  Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the Interactive Data Files on Exhibit 101 hereto are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, are deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections.

20

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

Seneca Foods Corporation

      (Company)

/s/Kraig H. Kayser                              

October 25, 2012

Kraig H. Kayser

President and

Chief Executive Officer

/s/Timothy J. Benjamin                                           

October 25, 2012

Timothy J. Benjamin

Chief Financial Officer

21

EX-31.1

EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION

I, Kraig H. Kayser, certify that:

1.   I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Seneca Foods Corporation;

2.     Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.     Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.      The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; 

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the Registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The Registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the Registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

By:   /s/Kraig H. Kayser

Dated: October 25, 2012

Kraig H. Kayser

President and Chief Executive

Officer

EX-31.2

EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATION

I, Timothy J. Benjamin, certify that:

1.   I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Seneca Foods Corporation;

2.     Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.     Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.      The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; 

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the Registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The Registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the Registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

By:   /s/Timothy J. Benjamin

Dated: October 25, 2012

Timothy J. Benjamin

Chief Financial Officer

EX-32

EXHIBIT 32

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18. U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Seneca Foods Corporation (the "Registrant") on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 29, 2012 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), we, Kraig H. Kayser, Chief Executive Officer and Timothy J. Benjamin, Chief Financial Officer of the Registrant, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to our knowledge:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant.

/s/Kraig H. Kayser

Kraig H. Kayser

Chief Executive Officer

October 25, 2012

/s/ Timothy J. Benjamin

Timothy J. Benjamin

Chief Financial Officer

October 25, 2012

XML

Fair Value Measurements (detail) (USD $)	Sep. 29, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Long-term Debt, Gross	$ 319,471,000	$ 234,209,000
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	$ 316,635,000	$ 231,416,000

XML

Loan Receivable (detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011
Loans Receivable, Net [Abstract]
Loans Receivable (Note 2)	$ 0			$ 10,000,000	$ 10,000,000
Loan Receivable Maturity Date	March 30, 2012
Loans and Note Receivable, Deferred Income		$ 6,300,000	$ 3,700,000

XML

Basis Of Presentation Policies

6 Months Ended

Sep. 29, 2012

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Basis Of Presentation

1.       Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments, which are normal and recurring in nature, necessary to present fairly the financial position of Seneca Foods Corporation (the “Company”) as of September 29, 2012 and results of its operations and its cash flows for the interim periods presented. All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation. The March 31, 2012 balance sheet was derived from the audited consolidated financial statements. Certain previously reported amounts for the period ended October 1, 2011 have been reclassified to conform to the current period classification.

The results of operations for the three and sixmonth periods ended September 29, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

In the six months ended September 29, 2012, the Company sold $38,593,000 of Green Giant finished goods inventory to General Mills Operations, LLC (“GMOL”) for cash, on a bill and hold basis, as compared to $32,897,000 for the six months ended October 1, 2011. Under the terms of the bill and hold agreement, title to the specified inventory transferred to GMOL. The Company believes it has met the criteria required for bill and hold treatment.

The accounting policies followed by the Company are set forth in Note 1 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company's 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K. In addition, the following accounting policy has changed this fiscal year based on adopting ASU No. 2011-04, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures”:Fair Value of Financial Instruments--The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, short-term debt (classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy) and accounts payable approximate cost because of the immediate and short-term maturity of these financial instruments. See note 10 Fair Value of Financial Instruments, for a discussion of the fair value of long-term debt.

Other footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been condensed or omitted. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes included in the Company's 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

All references to years are fiscal years ended or ending March 31 unless otherwise indicated. Certain percentage tables may not foot due to rounding.

XML

Pension (detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011	Sep. 29, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011
General Discussion Of Pension And Other Postretirement Benefits [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost	$ 2,223	$ 1,501	$ 4,444	$ 3,003
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	1,763	1,705	3,527	3,410
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets	(2,291)	(1,957)	(4,582)	(3,914)
Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Net (Gains) Losses	337	375	675	749
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Transition Obligations (Assets)	(57)	(69)	(114)	(138)
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost	$ 1,975	$ 1,555	$ 3,950	$ 3,110

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Stockholders Equity (detail) (USD $)				6 Months Ended		0 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011	Sep. 29, 2012 Participating Preferred Stock Converted To Class Aa [Member]	Sep. 29, 2012 Class B Common Stock Converted To Class Aa Common [Member]	Aug. 30, 2012 Treasury Stock [Member]	Sep. 29, 2012 Treasury Stock [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Common Stock [Member]
Stock Issued For Bonus Program Value								$ 29,000
Stock Issued For Bonus Program Shares								1,330
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method						25,930,000	1,935,000
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares						864,334	69,554
Treasury Stock, at cost	29,300,000	1,435,000	257,000				3,370,000
Shares, Issued							134,387
Conversion of Stock, Shares Converted				2,000	14,000
Conversion of Stock, Amount Converted				$ 24,000	$ 4,000

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Gains and Losses on the Sale of Property, Plant and Equipment (detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2012	Sep. 29, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets	$ 239,000	$ 292,000	$ 169,000

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Earning Per Share-Basic (detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011	Sep. 29, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011
Basic
Net Earnings (Loss)	$ 14,521	$ 2,883	$ 22,712	$ (5,092)
Deduct preferred stock dividends	6	6	12	12
Undistributed Earnings, Basic	14,515	2,877	22,700	(5,104)
Undistributed Earnings Allocated to Participating Securities	505	98	780	(174)
Earnings (Loss) Attributable to Common Stock	$ 14,010	$ 2,779	$ 21,920	$ (4,930)
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	11,374	11,737	11,531	11,736
Basic earnings (loss) per common share	$ 1.23	$ 0.24	$ 1.90	$ (0.42)

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parentheticals) (Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Change in pension and post retirement benefits,tax	$ 41

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Earning Per Share-Diluted (detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011	Sep. 29, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011
Diluted
Earnings (Loss) Attributable to Common Stock	$ 14,010	$ 2,779	$ 21,920	$ (4,930)
Dividends Convertible Preferred Stock Cash	5	5	10	10
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted	$ 14,015	$ 2,784	$ 21,930	$ (4,920)
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	11,374	11,737	11,531	11,736
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Additional Shares Authorized	4	4	4	4
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Conversion of Preferred Stock	67	67	67	67
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	11,445	11,808	11,602	11,807
Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Common Share (Note 9)	$ 1.22	$ 0.24	$ 1.89	$ (0.42)

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 29, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011
Current Assets:
Cash and Cash Equivalents	$ 18,800	$ 9,420	$ 10,087
Accounts Receivable, Net	83,506	77,105	84,072
Loans Receivable (Note 2)	0	10,000	10,000
Inventories (Note 3):
Finished Goods	650,324	307,912	631,862
Work in Process	5,982	16,083	10,268
Raw Materials and Supplies	70,592	108,438	91,013
Total Inventories	726,898	432,433	733,143
Deferred Income Tax Asset, Net	9,279	8,637	7,607
Refundable Income Taxes	0	316	5,529
Other Current Assets	17,001	5,339	14,564
Assets Current	855,484	543,250	865,002
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent	279	403
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	190,231	192,825	186,324
Other Assets	1,368	1,558	1,749
Total Assets	1,047,362	738,036	1,053,075
Current Liabilities:
Accounts Payable	281,209	61,074	278,690
Accrued Vacation	10,576	10,506	10,450
Accrued Payroll	11,335	7,793	11,464
Other Accrued Expenses	28,630	31,459	29,704
Income Taxes Payable	4,954	0	0
Current Portion of Long-Term Debt	42,941	7,336	12,120
Liabilities Current	379,645	118,168	342,428
Long-Term Debt, Less Current Portion (Note 4)	276,530	226,873	318,825
Deferred Income Taxes, Net	0	0	4,680
Other Long-Term Liabilities	41,563	38,322	38,544
Total Liabilities	697,738	383,363	704,477
Commitments
Stockholders' Equity:
Preferred Stock	6,244	6,268	6,271
Common Stock $.25 Par Value Per Share	2,942	2,938	2,938
Additional Paid-in Capital	92,211	92,139	92,062
Treasury Stock, at cost	(29,300)	(1,435)	(257)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	(23,255)	(23,319)	(14,161)
Retained Earnings	300,782	278,082	261,745
Total Stockholders' Equity	349,624	354,673	348,598
Total Liabilities and Stockholders Equity	$ 1,047,362	$ 738,036	$ 1,053,075

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net Earnings (Loss)	$ 22,712	$ (5,092)
Adjustments to Reconcile Net (Loss) Earnings to Net Cash Used in Operations:
Depreciation & Amortization	11,424	11,188
Gain on the Sale of Assets	(292)	(169)
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	(559)	1,634
Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities (Net of Acquisition):
Accounts Receivable	(6,401)	(5,536)
Inventories	(294,465)	(277,907)
Other Current Assets	(7,988)	(14,454)
Income Taxes	5,270	(6,018)
Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities	224,166	211,197
Net Cash Used in Operations	(46,133)	(85,157)
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Payment of Loan Receivable	10,000
Additions to Property, Plant and Equipment	(12,317)	(9,239)
Proceeds from the Sale of Assets	306	169
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities	(2,011)	(9,070)
Cash Flow from Financing Activities:
Long-Term Borrowing	249,465	232,269
Payments on Long-Term Debt	(164,203)	(133,943)
Borrowings on Notes Payable	0	2,606
Other	139	(1,368)
Purchase of Treasury Stock	(27,865)
Dividends	(12)	(12)
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities	57,524	99,552
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents	9,380	5,325
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of the Period	9,420	4,762
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of the Period	$ 18,800	$ 10,087

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General Discussion Of Pension And Other Post Retirement Benefits (table)

6 Months Ended

Sep. 29, 2012

Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block]

		Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
		September 29,		October 1,		September 29,		October 1,
		2012		2011		2011		2011
Service Cost	$	2,223	$	1,501	$	4,444	$	3,003
Interest Cost		1,763		1,705		3,527		3,410
Expected Return on Plan Assets		(2,291)		(1,957)		(4,582)		(3,914)
Amortization of Actuarial Loss		337		375		675		749
Amortization of Transition Asset		(57)		(69)		(114)		(138)
Net Periodic Benefit Cost	$	1,975	$	1,555	$	3,950	$	3,110

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Basis of Presentation (detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011	Sep. 29, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011
Sales Revenue [Line Items]
Net Sales	$ 317,593,000	$ 282,689,000	$ 548,644,000	$ 540,525,000
General Mills Operations Llc [Member]
Sales Revenue [Line Items]
Net Sales			$ 38,593,000	$ 32,897,000

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Preferred Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid In Capital [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]
Balance at Mar. 31, 2012	$ 354,673,000	$ 6,268,000	$ 2,938,000	$ 92,139,000	$ (1,435,000)	$ (23,319,000)	$ 278,082,000
Net Earnings (Loss)	22,712,000						22,712,000
Cash dividends paid on preferred stock							12,000
Equity incentive program			3,000	20,000
Stock issued for bonus program (Note 5)				29,000
Treasury stock purchased (Note 5)					(27,865,000)
Stock conversion (Note 5)		(24,000)	1,000	23,000
Change in pension and post retirement benefits adjustment (net of tax)	64,000					64,000
Balance at Sep. 29, 2012	$ 349,624,000	$ 6,244,000	$ 2,942,000	$ 92,211,000	$ (29,300,000)	$ (23,255,000)	$ 300,782,000

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Sep. 29, 2012
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common Stock Par Or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.25

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Earnings Per Share

6 Months Ended

Sep. 29, 2012

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share Text Block

9.       Earnings per share for the Quarters Ended September 29, 2012 and October 1, 2011 are as follows:

		Q U A R T E R				YEAR TO DATE
	Fiscal		Fiscal		Fiscal		Fiscal
	2013		2012		2013		2012
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Basic
Net earnings (loss)	$	14,521	$	2,883	$	22,712	$	$ (5,092)
Deduct preferred stock dividends paid		6		6		12		12
Undistributed earnings (loss)		14,515		2,877		22,700		(5,104)
Earnings (loss) attributable to participating preferred		505		98		780		(174)
Earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders	$	14,010	$	2,779	$	21,920	$	(4,930)
Weighted average common shares outstanding		11,374		11,737		11,531		11,736
Basic earnings (loss) per common share	$	1.23	$	0.24	$	1.90	$	(0.42)
Diluted
Earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders	$	14,010	$	2,779	$	21,920	$	(4,930)
Add dividends on convertible preferred stock		5		5		10		10
Earnings (loss) attributable to common stock on a diluted basis	$	14,015	$	2,784	$	21,930	$	(4,920)
Weighted average common shares outstanding-basic		11,374		11,737		11,531		11,736
Additional shares issuable related to the
equity compensation plan		4		4		4		4
Additional shares to be issued under full
conversion of preferred stock		67		67		67		67
Total shares for diluted		11,445		11,808		11,602		11,807
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share	$	1.22	$	0.24	$	1.89	$	(0.42)

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Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2012	Oct. 18, 2012 Common Class A Member	Oct. 18, 2012 Common Class B Member
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document period end date	Sep. 29, 2012
Amendment flag	false
Document Period Focus	Q2
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Current fiscal year end date	--03-31
Entity central index key	0000088948
Entity current reporting status	Yes
Entity filer category	Accelerated Filer
Entity registrant name	SENECA FOODS CORP /NY/
Entity voluntary filers	No
Entity well known seasoned issuer	No
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Entity common stock shares outstanding		8,687,370	2,082,282

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Fair Value Measurements

6 Months Ended

Sep. 29, 2012

Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]

Fair Value Disclosures Text Block

10.       As required by Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 825, “Financial Instruments,” the Company estimates the fair values of financial instruments on a quarterly basis.The estimated fair value for long-term debt (classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy) is determined by the quoted market prices for similar debt (comparable to the Company'sfinancial strength) or current rates offered to the Company for debt with the same maturities. Long-term debt, including current portion had a carrying amount of $319,471,000 and an estimated fair value of $316,635,000 as of September 29, 2012. As of March 31, 2012, the carrying amount was $234,209,000and the estimated fair value was $231,416,000. The fair values of all the other financial instruments approximate their carrying value due to their short-term nature.

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011	Sep. 29, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net Sales	$ 317,593	$ 282,689	$ 548,644	$ 540,525
Costs and Expenses:
Cost of Product Sold	276,688	261,336	478,664	513,316
Selling and Administrative	16,245	15,409	31,073	31,513
Plant Restructuring	0	(15)	0	39
Other Operating Income	(274)	(18)	(292)	(169)
Total Costs and Expenses	292,659	276,712	509,445	544,699
Operating Income (Loss)	24,934	5,977	39,199	(4,174)
Interest Expense, Net	1,836	1,880	3,314	3,666
Earnings (Loss) Before Income Taxes	23,098	4,097	35,885	(7,840)
Income Taxes Expense (Benefit)	8,577	1,214	13,173	(2,748)
Net Earnings (Loss)	14,521	2,883	22,712	(5,092)
Earnings (Loss) Attributable to Common Stock	$ 14,010	$ 2,779	$ 21,920	$ (4,930)
Basic Earnings (Loss) per Common Share (Note 9)	$ 1.23	$ 0.24	$ 1.90	$ (0.42)
Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Common Share (Note 9)	$ 1.22	$ 0.24	$ 1.89	$ (0.42)

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Debt Instruments

6 Months Ended

Sep. 29, 2012

Debt Instruments [Abstract]

Debt Disclosure Text Block

4.        The Company completed the closing of a newfive year revolving credit facility (“Revolver”) on July 20, 2011.  Maximum borrowings under the Revolver total $250,000,000from April through July and $350,000,000from August through March.  The Revolver balance as of September29, 2012was $233,000,000 and is included in Long-Term Debt in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet due to its five year term. The Company utilizes its Revolver for general corporate purposes, including seasonal working capital needs, to pay debt principal and interest obligations, and to fund capital expenditures and acquisitions. Seasonal working capital needs are affected by the growing cycles of the vegetables and fruits the Company processes. The majority of vegetable and fruit inventories are produced during the months of June through November and are then sold over the following year. Payment terms for vegetable and fruit produce are generally three months but can vary from a few days to seven months. Accordingly, the Company's need to draw on the Revolver may fluctuate significantly throughout the year.

The decrease in average amount of Revolver borrowings during the first six months of fiscal 2013 compared to the first six months of fiscal 2012 was attributable to improved operating results partially offset by the share repurchases and additional seasonal working capital needs.

General terms of the Revolver include payment of interest at LIBOR plus a defined spread.

The following table documents the quantitative data for Revolver borrowings during the second quarter and year-to-date periods of fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012:

		Second Quarter						Year-to-Date
	2013			2012			2013			2012
		(In thousands)						(In thousands)
Reported end of period:
Outstanding borrowings	$	233,000		$	237,413		$	233,000		$	237,413
Weighted average interest rate		1.47	%		1.73	%		1.47	%		1.73	%
Reported during the period:
Maximum amount of borrowings	$	234,000		$	243,067		$	234,000		$	243,067
Average outstanding borrowings		152,537			159,968			132,009			138,240
Weighted average interest rate		1.50	%		1.62	%		1.54	%		1.47	%

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Inventories

6 Months Ended

Sep. 29, 2012

InvInventory Disclosure [Abstract]

Inventory Disclosure [Text Block]

3.       First-In, First-Out (“FIFO”) based inventory costs exceeded LIFO based inventory costs by $134.8million as of the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2013 as compared to $109.2 million as of the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2012. The change in the LIFO Reserve for the three months ended September 29, 2012 was a decrease of $3,706,000 as compared to an increase of $12,754,000 for the three months ended October 1, 2011. The LIFO Reserve decreased by $2,444,000 in the first six months of fiscal 2013 compared to an increase of $19,281,000 in the first six months of fiscal 2012. This reflects the projected impact of decreased inflationary cost increases expected in fiscal 2013 versus fiscal 2012.

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Earnings Per Share (table)

6 Months Ended

Sep. 29, 2012

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Schedule Of Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted By Common Class [Text Block]

		Q U A R T E R				YEAR TO DATE
	Fiscal		Fiscal		Fiscal		Fiscal
	2013		2012		2013		2012
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Basic
Net earnings (loss)	$	14,521	$	2,883	$	22,712	$	$ (5,092)
Deduct preferred stock dividends paid		6		6		12		12
Undistributed earnings (loss)		14,515		2,877		22,700		(5,104)
Earnings (loss) attributable to participating preferred		505		98		780		(174)
Earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders	$	14,010	$	2,779	$	21,920	$	(4,930)
Weighted average common shares outstanding		11,374		11,737		11,531		11,736
Basic earnings (loss) per common share	$	1.23	$	0.24	$	1.90	$	(0.42)
Diluted
Earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders	$	14,010	$	2,779	$	21,920	$	(4,930)
Add dividends on convertible preferred stock		5		5		10		10
Earnings (loss) attributable to common stock on a diluted basis	$	14,015	$	2,784	$	21,930	$	(4,920)
Weighted average common shares outstanding-basic		11,374		11,737		11,531		11,736
Additional shares issuable related to the
equity compensation plan		4		4		4		4
Additional shares to be issued under full
conversion of preferred stock		67		67		67		67
Total shares for diluted		11,445		11,808		11,602		11,807
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share	$	1.22	$	0.24	$	1.89	$	(0.42)

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Legal Proceedings

6 Months Ended

Sep. 29, 2012

Legal Proceedings [Abstract]

Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure Text Block

11.       In June 2010, the Company received a Notice of Violation of the California Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, commonly known as Proposition 65, from the Environmental Law Foundation ("ELF").  This notice was made to the California Attorney General and various other government officials, and to 49 companies including Seneca Foods Corporation whom ELF alleges manufactured, distributed or sold packaged peaches, pears, fruit cocktail and fruit juice that contain lead without providing a clear and reasonable warning to consumers.  Under California law, proper notice must be made to the State and involved firms at least 60 days before any suit under Proposition 65 may be filed by private litigants like ELF.  That 60-day period has expired and to date neither the California Attorney General nor any appropriate district attorney or city attorney has initiated an action against the Company. However, private litigant ELF filed an action against the Company and 27 other named companies on September 28, 2011, in Superior Court of Alameda County, California, alleging violations of Proposition 65 and seeking various measures of relief, including injunctive and declaratory relief and civil penalties. The Company, along with the other named companies, is vigorously defending itself from such claim and has filed a responsive answer. The discovery process is ongoing and the litigation is proceeding in accordance with court schedules. As this matter is still at a very early stage, we are not able to predict the probability of the outcome or estimate of loss, if any, related to this matter.  Additionally, in the ordinary course of its business, the Company is made party to certain legal proceedings seeking monetary damages, including proceedings invoking product liability claims, either directly or through indemnification obligations, and we are not able to predict the probability of the outcome or estimate of loss, if any, related to any such matter.

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Gains and Losses on the Sale of Property, Plant and Equipment

6 Months Ended

Sep. 29, 2012

Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]

Property Plant And Equipment Disclosure Text Block

7During the six months ended September 29, 2012, the Company sold unused fixed assets which resulted in a gain of $292,000as compared to a gain of $169,000 during the six months ended October 1, 2011.During the three months ended September29, 2012, the Company sold unused land in Cambria, Wisconsin which resulted in a book gain of $239,000. A portion of the tax gain on this sale is expected to be deferred via a Like Kind Exchange transaction within six months of the sale of this property. These gainsare included in other operating income in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Net Earnings.

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Stockholders Equity Note

6 Months Ended

Sep. 29, 2012

Stockholders Equity Note [Abstract]

Stockholders Equity Note Disclosure Text Block

5.       During the six-month period ended September 29, 2012, there were 14,000 shares, or $4,000, of Class B Common Stock (at Par), converted to Class A Common Stock and there were 2,000 shares, or $24,000of Participating Preferred Stock, also converted to Class A Common Stock. During the six month period ended September 29, 2012, the Company repurchased 69,554shares or $1,935,000of its Class A Common Stock. As of September 29, 2012, 134,387shares or $3,370,000of stock have been repurchased under the Company's share repurchase program. In addition, on August 30, 2012, the Company repurchased 864,334 shares of Class A Common Stock in a Board approved transaction outside of the Company's share repurchase program for $25,930,000. All shares were repurchased as Treasury Stock and are not considered outstanding. During the three month period ended June 30, 2012, there were 1,330 shares, or $29,000 of Class B Common Stock issued in lieu of cash compensation under the Company's Profit Sharing Bonus Plan.

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General Discussion Of Pension And Other PostretirementBenefits

6 Months Ended

Sep. 29, 2012

General Discussion Of Pension And Other Postretirement Benefits [Abstract]

Pension And Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure Text Block

6.       The net periodic benefit cost for the Company's pension plan consisted of:

		Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
		September 29,		October 1,		September 29,		October 1,
		2012		2011		2011		2011
Service Cost	$	2,223	$	1,501	$	4,444	$	3,003
Interest Cost		1,763		1,705		3,527		3,410
Expected Return on Plan Assets		(2,291)		(1,957)		(4,582)		(3,914)
Amortization of Actuarial Loss		337		375		675		749
Amortization of Transition Asset		(57)		(69)		(114)		(138)
Net Periodic Benefit Cost	$	1,975	$	1,555	$	3,950	$	3,110

No contributions were required or made in the three and six month periods ended September 29, 2012 and October 1, 2011.

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Recently Issued Accounting Pronoucements

6 Months Ended

Sep. 29, 2012

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Significant Accounting Policies Text Block

8.       Recently Issued and Adopted Accounting Standards - There were no recently issued accounting pronouncements that impacted the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements. In addition, the Company did not adopt any new accounting pronouncements during the quarter ended September 29, 2012.

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Debt Instruments (table)

6 Months Ended

Sep. 29, 2012

Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]

Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities [Table Text Block]

		Second Quarter						Year-to-Date
	2013			2012			2013			2012
		(In thousands)						(In thousands)
Reported end of period:
Outstanding borrowings	$	233,000		$	237,413		$	233,000		$	237,413
Weighted average interest rate		1.47	%		1.73	%		1.47	%		1.73	%
Reported during the period:
Maximum amount of borrowings	$	234,000		$	243,067		$	234,000		$	243,067
Average outstanding borrowings		152,537			159,968			132,009			138,240
Weighted average interest rate		1.50	%		1.62	%		1.54	%		1.47	%

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Inventory (detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011	Sep. 29, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011
InvInventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventory, LIFO Reserve	$ 134,800,000	$ 109,200,000	$ 134,800,000	$ 109,200,000
Inventory, LIFO Reserve, Period Charge	$ 3,706,000	$ 12,754,000	$ 2,444,000	$ 19,281,000

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011	Sep. 29, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011
Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Earnings (Loss)	$ 14,521	$ 2,883	$ 22,712	$ (5,092)
Change in pension and post retirement benefits adjustment (net of tax)	90	(52)	64	(52)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax	$ 14,611	$ 2,831	$ 22,776	$ (5,144)

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Loans Receivable

6 Months Ended

Sep. 29, 2012

Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Current [Abstract]

Loans Receivables [Text Block]

2.       During the quarter ended October 1, 2011, the Company acquired $10.0 million of the lending commitments (the "Loan Commitment") made by various lenders under the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated July 29, 2011 by and among the Borrower ("Borrower"), Bank of America, N.A. as administrative agent and letter of credit issuer, and various other lenders (the "Borrower Credit Facility"), and thus became a co-lender under the Borrower Credit Facility. Upon the closing of such transaction, the Company advanced a total of $10.0 million to fund (i) the Company's then current portion of total advances made to the Borrower under the Credit Agreement and (ii) the balance of the Company's $10.0 million Loan Commitment. The Company acquired the Loan Commitment in connection with negotiations between the Company and the Borrower concerning the Company's possible acquisition of the Borrower through a merger transaction. The Company and the Borrower are no longer pursuing such potential acquisition. All of the Borrower obligations under the Borrower Credit Facility, including those owing to the Company, were due to mature on March 30, 2012.  In April 2012, the Company received a partial repayment or $3.7 million. In June 2012, the Company received the remaining $6.3 million due plus interest accrued and the Company has no further obligations with respect to the Loan Commitment.

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Debt Instruments (detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011	Sep. 29, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011
Debt Instruments [Abstract]
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	$ 233,000,000	$ 237,413,000	$ 233,000,000	$ 237,413,000
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	1.47%	1.73%	1.47%	1.73%
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Amount Outstanding During Period	234,000,000	243,067,000	234,000,000	243,067,000
Line of Credit Facility, Average Outstanding Amount	152,537,000	159,968,000	132,009,000	138,240,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate During Period	1.50%	1.62%	1.54%	1.47%
August through March [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	350,000,000		350,000,000
April through July [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	$ 250,000,000		$ 250,000,000

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Accounting policies (policy)

6 Months Ended

Sep. 29, 2012

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Revenue Recognition, Bill and Hold Arrangements [Policy Text Block]

In the six months ended September 29, 2012, the Company sold $38,593,000 of Green Giant finished goods inventory to General Mills Operations, LLC (“GMOL”) for cash, on a bill and hold basis, as compared to $32,897,000 for the six months ended October 1, 2011. Under the terms of the bill and hold agreement, title to the specified inventory transferred to GMOL. The Company believes it has met the criteria required for bill and hold treatment.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Fair Value of Financial Instruments--The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, short-term debt (classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy) and accounts payable approximate cost because of the immediate and short-term maturity of these financial instruments. See note 10 Fair Value of Financial Instruments, for a discussion of the fair value of long-term debt