Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers

On October 5, 2009, the Company issued a press release announcing the election of Susan K. Nestegard to its Board of Directors. Ms. Nestegard was nominated to fill the seat created by the retirement of current Board member Luella G. Goldberg. The press release also announced the retirement of current Board member Gary J. Ray. The retirements of Ms. Goldberg and Mr. Ray will be effective on November 23, 2009.

Ms. Nestegard is the executive vice president of Global Healthcare at Ecolab, Inc., headquartered in St. Paul, MN. Ms. Nestegard will join the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.

Ms. Nestegard is not a party to any transaction with the Company or any subsidiary of the Company, and the Company has not entered into any material contracts or arrangements in connection with her election to the Board of Directors. She will participate in the Hormel Foods Corporation 2009 Long-Term Incentive Plan.

The press release announcing this election is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits

(d) Exhibits pursuant to Item 5.02

99.1 Press release, dated October 5, 2009, announcing the addition of Susan K. Nestegard to the Company's Board of Directors

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