Mr Baker will succeed Fred Adams, Jr., as Chief Executive Officer. Mr Adams will continue in his current position as Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Mr Baker was elected President and Chief Operating Officer of Cal-Maine in January 1997. Prior to this, he served as Vice President and Director of Marketing. Mr Baker joined the Company in 1986 and was elected a director in 1991. He is a past chairman of American Egg Board, United Egg Producers and Egg Clearinghouse, Inc. and is currently a director of Mississippi Poultry Association, United Egg Producers, Eggland's Best, Inc., Trustmark National Bank and Trustmark Corporation. He is a graduate of Mississippi State University with a degree in Business Administration.

Commenting on the election, Mr Adams said: "This announcement reflects both the Board's and my conviction that the time is right for this transition and reaffirms our belief that Dolph Baker is the right individual to continue the Company's track record of growth and commitment to excellence. During his tenure with Cal-Maine, he has demonstrated the leadership and operational skills needed to strategically position the Company for continued success. He has served the Company well and has earned the full support and confidence of everyone associated with Cal-Maine."

Mr Baker added: "Fred Adams has been the driving force for the development of our Company for over 50 years. Our growth and success over the years speak directly to his vision and leadership capabilities. Since our founding, he has led Cal-Maine's evolution from Adams Foods, Incorporated into the largest producer and distributor of fresh shell eggs in the United States. Succeeding him is a great honour."

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. is primarily engaged in the production, grading, packing and sale of fresh shell eggs. The Company, which is headquartered in Jackson, Mississippi, currently is the largest producer and distributor of fresh shell eggs in the United States and sells the majority of its shell eggs in approximately 29 states across the southwestern, southeastern, mid-western and mid-Atlantic regions of the United States.