Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2021

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

To ensure a steady supply of hogs and turkeys and keep the cost of products stable, the Company has entered into contracts with producers for the purchase of hogs and turkeys at formula-based prices over periods up to 10 years. The Company has also entered into grow-out contracts with independent farmers to raise turkeys for the Company for periods up to 25 years. Under these arrangements, the Company owns the livestock, feed, and other supplies while the independent farmers provide facilities and labor. In addition, the Company has contracted for the purchase of corn, soybean meal, feed ingredients, and other raw materials from independent suppliers for periods up to 4 years. Under these contracts, the Company is committed to make purchases, assuming current price levels, as follows:


(in thousands)	October 31, 2021
2022	$	1,180,277
2023	778,324
2024	612,248
2025	439,812
2026	336,428
Later Years	302,455
Total	$	3,649,544

Purchases under these contracts for fiscal years 2021, 2020, and 2019 were $1.1 billion, $0.9 billion, and $1 billion, respectively.

As of October 31, 2021, the Company has $47.3 million of standby letters of credit issued on its behalf. The standby letters of credit are primarily related to the Company’s self-insured workers compensation programs. However, that amount includes revocable standby letters of credit totaling $3.1 million for obligations of an affiliated party that may arise under workers compensation claims. Letters of credit are not reflected in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

The Company is involved in litigation on an ongoing basis arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the outcome of litigation currently pending will not materially affect the Company’s results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity.