DEF 14A 1 proxy08.txt THE 2008 PROXY STATEMENT UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. ___) Filed by the Registrant [X] Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ] Check the appropriate box: [ ] Preliminary Proxy Statement [ ] Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) [X] Definitive Proxy Statement [ ] Definitive Additional Materials [ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-12 SEABOARD CORPORATION _______________________________________________________________ (Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter) _______________________________________________________________ (Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant) Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box): [X] No fee required. [ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a- 6(i)(1) and 0-11. (1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:_______________________________________________ (2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:_______________________________________________ (3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):__________________________ (4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:_______ (5) Total fee paid:________________________________________ [ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. [ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing. (1) Amount previously paid:________________________________ (2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:__________ (3) Filing party:__________________________________________ (4) Date filed:____________________________________________ SEABOARD CORPORATION 9000 West 67th Street Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66202 NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS APRIL 28, 2008 Notice is hereby given that the 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Seaboard Corporation, a Delaware corporation, will be held at the Newton Marriott, 2345 Commonwealth Avenue, Auburndale, Massachusetts, on Monday, April 28, 2008, commencing at 9:00 a.m., local time, and thereafter as it may from time to time be adjourned, for the following purposes: 1. To elect five directors to hold office until the 2009 annual meeting of stockholders and until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified; 2. To consider and act upon ratification and approval of the selection of KPMG LLP as the independent auditors of Seaboard for the year ending December 31, 2008; and 3. To transact such other business as properly may come before the meeting. The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on Monday, March 3, 2008, as the record date for determination of the stockholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the annual meeting. If you do not expect to attend the annual meeting in person, please sign and date the enclosed proxy, and return it in the enclosed addressed envelope. By order of the Board of Directors, David M. Becker, Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary March 10, 2008 SEABOARD CORPORATION 9000 West 67th Street Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66202 PROXY STATEMENT ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS APRIL 28, 2008 March 10, 2008 Date, Time and Place of the Meeting This proxy statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies for use at the annual meeting of stockholders of Seaboard Corporation ("Seaboard") to be held on Monday, April 28, 2008, commencing at 9:00 a.m., local time, and at any adjournment thereof. The meeting is called for the purposes set forth in the foregoing Notice of Annual Meeting, and will be held at the Newton Marriott, 2345 Commonwealth Avenue, Auburndale, Massachusetts. Stockholders Entitled to Vote at the Meeting Stockholders of record as of the close of business on the March 3, 2008 record date are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the annual meeting and at any adjournment thereof. Seaboard had 1,244,278.24 shares of common stock, $1.00 par value, outstanding and entitled to vote as of the record date. Each such share of common stock is entitled to one vote on each matter properly to come before the annual meeting. This proxy statement and the enclosed form of proxy were first sent or given to stockholders on or about March 10, 2008. Quorum Requirement A quorum of stockholders is necessary to hold a valid meeting. A majority of our outstanding shares of common stock on the record date, or 622,140 shares, will be needed to establish a quorum for the annual meeting. Votes cast at the annual meeting will be tabulated by persons duly appointed to act as inspectors of election and voting for the annual meeting. The inspectors of election and voting will treat shares represented by a properly signed and returned proxy as present at the annual meeting for purposes of determining a quorum, without regard to whether the proxy is marked as casting a vote or abstaining. Likewise, the inspectors will treat shares of stock represented by "broker non-votes" as present for purposes of determining a quorum. Broker non-votes are proxies with respect to shares held in record name by brokers or nominees, as to which (i) instructions have not been received from the beneficial owners or persons entitled to vote; (ii) the broker or nominee does not have discretionary voting power under applicable national securities exchange rules or the instrument under which it serves in such capacity; and (iii) the record holder has indicated on the proxy card or otherwise notified Seaboard that it does not have authority to vote such shares on that matter. Attending the Meeting and Voting in Person If you plan to attend the annual meeting and vote in person, we will give you a ballot when you arrive. However, if your shares are held in the name of your broker, bank or other nominee (commonly referred to as being held in "street" name), proof of ownership may be required for you to be admitted to the meeting. A recent brokerage statement and letter from a bank or broker are examples of proof of ownership. If you want to vote your shares of common stock held in street name in person at the meeting, you will have to get a written proxy in your name from the broker, bank or other nominee who holds your shares. Voting by Proxy The Board of Directors solicits your proxy in the form enclosed for use at the annual meeting. Any stockholder giving a proxy in the enclosed form may revoke it at any time before it is exercised. A stockholder may revoke his or her proxy by delivering to the Secretary of Seaboard a written notice of revocation or a duly executed proxy bearing a later date, or by attending the meeting and voting in person. A completed and signed proxy in the enclosed form, if received in time for voting and not revoked, will be voted at the annual meeting in accordance with the instructions of the stockholder. Where a stockholder's voting instructions are not specified, the shares represented by the proxy will be voted "for" the election of the nominees for director listed herein and "for" ratification of the selection of KPMG LLP as independent auditors for 2008. The Board of Directors does not know of any matters that will be brought before the meeting other than those referred to in the Notice of Annual Meeting. However, if any other matter properly comes before the meeting, it is intended that the persons named in the enclosed form of proxy, or their substitutes acting thereunder, will vote on such matter in accordance with their discretion and judgment. If your shares of common stock are held in street name, you will receive instructions from your broker, bank or other nominee that you must follow in order to have your shares voted. Seaboard will bear all expenses in connection with the solicitation of proxies, including preparing, assembling and mailing this proxy statement. After the initial mailing of this proxy statement, proxies may be solicited by mail, telephone, facsimile transmission or personally by directors, officers, employees or agents of Seaboard. Brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries will be requested to forward soliciting materials to beneficial owners of shares held of record by them, and their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses will be paid by Seaboard. Vote Required A favorable plurality of votes cast (a number greater than those cast for any other candidates) is necessary to elect members of the Board of Directors. Accordingly, abstentions or broker non-votes as to the election of directors will not affect the election of the candidates receiving the plurality of votes. The other proposals set forth herein require the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present at the meeting. Shares represented by broker non-votes as to such matters are treated as not being present for the purposes of such matters, while abstentions as to such matters are treated as being present but not voting in the affirmative. Accordingly, the effect of broker non-votes is only to reduce the number of shares considered to be present for the consideration of such matters, while abstentions will have the same effect as votes against the matter. 2 PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS The following table sets forth certain information as of January 31, 2008 regarding the beneficial ownership of Seaboard's common stock by Seaboard Flour LLC ("Seaboard Flour"), the only person known to us to own beneficially 5 percent or more of Seaboard's common stock. Unless otherwise indicated, all beneficial ownership consists of sole voting and sole investment power. Name and Address Amount and Nature of Percent of Beneficial Owner Beneficial Ownership of Class Seaboard Flour (1) 893,948.24 71.8% 1320 Centre Street, Suite 200 Newton Center, MA 02459 (1) S. Bresky, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Seaboard, and other members of the Bresky family, including trusts created for their benefit, beneficially own all of the common units of Seaboard Flour. S. Bresky is the co-trustee and beneficiary of some of the trusts owning Seaboard Flour units, and may be deemed to have indirect beneficial ownership of Seaboard's common stock held by Seaboard Flour by virtue of his position as manager of Seaboard Flour, with the right to vote Seaboard shares owned by Seaboard Flour. 3 SHARE OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT AND DIRECTORS The following table sets forth certain information as of January 31, 2008 regarding the beneficial ownership of Seaboard's common stock by each of our directors and director nominees, each of our executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table on page 8 and all of our directors and executive officers as a group. Name of Amount and Nature of Percent Beneficial Owner Beneficial Ownership of Class Steven J. Bresky 906,347.24 (1) 72.8% David A. Adamsen 20 * Douglas W. Baena 100 * Kevin M. Kennedy 15 * Joseph E. Rodrigues 200 * Robert L. Steer - 0 - * Rodney K. Brenneman - 0 - * Edward A. Gonzalez - 0 - * David M. Dannov 10 * All directors and executive 906,742.24 (1) 72.9% officers as a group (15 persons) _________________ (1) The shares reported include 2,538 shares of Seaboard's common stock owned directly; 893,948.24 shares of Seaboard's common stock that may be attributed to S. Bresky by virtue of his position as sole manager of Seaboard Flour, with the right to vote Seaboard shares owned by Seaboard Flour; 5,611 shares of Seaboard's common stock that may be attributed to S. Bresky, as co-executor of the H. H. Bresky estate, which owns such shares; and 4,250 shares of Seaboard's common stock that may be attributed to him as co-trustee of the "Bresky Foundation" trust. All of the common units of Seaboard Flour are held by S. Bresky and other members of the Bresky family, including trusts created for their benefit. * Less than one percent. 4 ITEM 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS Our Board of Directors has fixed the number of directors at five. Unless otherwise specified, proxies will be voted in favor of the election as directors of the following five persons for a term of one year and until their successors are elected and qualified. Director Name Age Principal Occupations and Positions Since Steven J. Bresky 54 Director and President and Chief 2005 Executive Officer (since July 2006), Senior Vice President, International Operations (2001-2006), Seaboard Corporation; Manager, Seaboard Flour (since 2006). David A. Adamsen 56 Director and Chairman of Audit 1995 Committee, Seaboard Corporation; Vice President - Wholesale & Manufacturing (since 2005), The Penn Traffic Co., retail and wholesale food distribution company; Vice President - Group General Manager, Northeast Region (2001-2005), Dean Foods Company, dairy specialty food processor and distributor. Douglas W. Baena 65 Director and Member of Audit Committee, 2001 Seaboard Corporation; Chief Executive Officer (since 1997), CreditAmerica Corporation, equipment leasing and finance business. Kevin M. Kennedy 48 Director and Member of Audit Committee, 2003 Seaboard Corporation; Chief Financial Officer (since 2007), Nautilus Holdings Ltd., vessel chartering company; Chief Financial Officer (2005-2007), Seaspan Corporation, vessel chartering company; President and Chief Investment Officer (2001-2005), Great Circle Management LLC, private equity fund. Joseph E. Rodrigues 71 Director, former Executive Vice President 1990 and Treasurer (retired 2001), Seaboard Corporation. There are no arrangements or understandings between any nominee and any other person pursuant to which such nominee was nominated. In case any person or persons named herein for election as directors are not available for election at the annual meeting, proxies may be voted for a substitute nominee or nominees (unless the authority to vote for all nominees or for the particular nominee who has ceased to be a candidate has been withheld), as well as for the balance of those named herein. Management has no reason to believe that any of the nominees for the election as director will be unavailable. The Board of Directors recommends that you vote for the election as directors of the five persons listed above. 5 BOARD OF DIRECTORS INFORMATION Meetings of the Board The Board of Directors held four meetings in fiscal 2007. Other actions of the Board of Directors were taken by unanimous written consent, as needed. Each director attended more than 75 percent of the aggregate of the total number of meetings of the Board of Directors and the total number of meetings held by all committees of the Board on which he served. Seaboard does not have any policy requiring directors to attend Seaboard's annual meeting of stockholders, although, generally, the directors have attended Seaboard's annual stockholders' meetings. All directors attended the 2007 annual meeting. Controlled Corporation Seaboard is a "controlled corporation," as defined in the rules of the American Stock Exchange, because more than 50 percent of the voting power of Seaboard is owned by Seaboard Flour. As such, Seaboard is exempted from many of the requirements regarding Board of Director committees and independence. The members of our Board of Directors who are independent within the meaning of the American Stock Exchange listing standards are Joseph E. Rodrigues, David A. Adamsen, Douglas W. Baena and Kevin M. Kennedy. Committees of the Board Seaboard's Board of Directors has established an Audit Committee. There currently are no other standing executive, compensation, nominating or other committees of Seaboard's Board of Directors, or committees performing similar functions of the Board. Audit Committee. Seaboard's Board of Directors has established an Audit Committee comprised solely of independent directors. The members of the Audit Committee are David A. Adamsen, Douglas W. Baena and Kevin M. Kennedy. Mr. Adamsen is Chairman of the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee selects and retains independent auditors and assists the Board in its oversight of the integrity of Seaboard's financial statements, including the performance of our independent auditors in their audit of our annual financial statements. The Audit Committee meets with management and the independent auditors, as may be required. The independent auditors have full and free access to the Audit Committee, without the presence of management. The Board of Directors has determined that Kevin M. Kennedy is an "audit committee financial expert" and is "independent," each within the meaning of the listing standards of the American Stock Exchange. The Audit Committee held four meetings in fiscal 2007, two of which were telephonic meetings. Director Nominations The Board of Directors believes it is not necessary to have a separate nominating committee because of the low turnover of Board of Director seats and because the entire Board of Directors participates in the consideration of director nominees. There currently is no charter that establishes procedures for the Board's consideration of director nominees. The Board believes that it should be comprised of directors with varied, complementary backgrounds, and that 6 directors should, at a minimum, have expertise that may be useful to Seaboard. Directors should also possess the highest personal and professional ethics, and should be willing and able to devote the required amount of time to Seaboard's business. In determining whether a director should be retained and stand for re- election, the Board also considers that member's performance and contribution to the Board during his tenure with the Board. Seaboard's policy is to consider nominees who are submitted by stockholders on a case- by-case basis. All nominees, including those submitted by stockholders, will be evaluated using generally the same methods and criteria, although those methods and criteria are not standardized and may vary from time to time. Communication with the Board The Board of Directors has not established a formal process for stockholders to follow to send communications to the Board or its members, as Seaboard's policy has been to forward to the directors any stockholder correspondence it receives that is addressed to them. Stockholders who wish to communicate with the directors may do so by sending their correspondence addressed to the director or directors at Seaboard's headquarters at 9000 West 67th Street, Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66202, Attention: General Counsel. All such correspondence will be compiled and submitted to our Board or the individual directors, as applicable, on a periodic basis. Compensation of Directors The following table shows the compensation received by each member of our Board of Directors (other than those who are named executive officers in the Summary Compensation table on page 8) for service on the Board in 2007. Director Compensation Table (1) Fees Earned or Paid in Cash Total David A. Adamsen $58,000 $58,000 Douglas W. Baena $54,000 $54,000 Kevin M. Kennedy $54,000 $54,000 Joseph E. Rodrigues $43,000 $43,000 (1) S. Bresky does not receive any compensation for serving as a director, and thus, is not included in the table. For 2007, each non-employee director received $10,000 quarterly and an additional $2,000 per quarter for service on the Audit Committee of the Board. The Chairman of the Audit Committee also received an additional $1,000 per quarter. Each non-employee director also receives an additional $1,500 per meeting in excess of one hour. All director compensation represents fees paid in cash only. 7 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND OTHER INFORMATION The following table shows all compensation earned, during the fiscal years indicated, by the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer and the three other highest paid executive officers of Seaboard (the "Named Executive Officers") for such period in all capacities in which they have served: Summary Compensation Table Change in Pension Value And Non-Qualified Name Deferred and Compensation All Other Principal Salary(1) Bonus(2) Earnings(3) Compensation(4) Total Position Year ($) ($) ($) ($) ($) _______________________________________________________________________________ Steven J. Bresky (5) President Chief Executive 2007 744,904 1,050,000 1,365,625 204,513 3,365,042 Officer 2006 484,135 1,200,000 1,103,952 74,613 2,862,700 Robert L. Steer Senior Vice President, Chief Financial 2007 573,269 950,000 595,849 139,596 2,258,714 Officer 2006 484,135 1,000,000 696,916 93,817 2,274,868 Rodney K. Brenneman President, Seaboard 2007 449,231 850,000 334,842 108,566 1,742,639 Foods LP 2006 409,231 1,000,000 446,070 86,626 1,941,927 Edward A. Gonzalez President, Seaboard 2007 349,038 700,000 160,594 76,541 1,286,173 Marine Ltd. 2006 298,558 650,000 134,274 51,649 1,134,481 David M. Dannov (6) President, Seaboard Overseas Trading 2007 298,558 525,000 167,349 56,660 1,047,567 Group 2006 201,605 310,000 122,604 38,206 672,415 ________________ (1) Salary includes amounts deferred at the election of the Named Executive Officers under Seaboard's 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan, the Seaboard Corporation Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan and the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, such plans being described below under "Benefit Plans." (2) Reflects guaranteed bonus, under Employment Agreements described below, and discretionary bonus earned, and includes amounts deferred at the election of the Named Executive Officers under Seaboard's 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan, the Seaboard Corporation Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan and the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan described below under "Benefit Plans." 8 (3) Reflects the actuarial increase in the present value of the Named Executive Officer's benefits under all retirement plans, for which information is provided in the Pension Benefits table on page 14, determined using interest rate and mortality rate assumptions, consistent with those used in Seaboard's financial statements. These amounts for 2007 (net of negative changes) are as follows: S. Bresky, $1,275,235; R. Steer, $507,849; R. Brenneman, $302,700; E. Gonzalez, $160,594; and D. Dannov, $164,881. These amounts for 2006 are as follows: S. Bresky, $990,491; R. Steer, $586,459; R. Brenneman, $401,258; E. Gonzalez, $134,274; and D. Dannov, $119,506. Also reflects the above-market earnings on contributions under the Investment Option Plan described below. The amounts for 2007 are as follows: S. Bresky, $90,390; R. Steer, $88,000; R. Brenneman, $32,142; and D. Dannov, $2,468. The amounts for 2006 are as follows: S. Bresky, $113,461; R. Steer, $110,457; R. Brenneman, $44,812; and D. Dannov, $3,098. (4) Included in All Other Compensation are Company matching contributions under the Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan, such plan being described below under "Benefit Plans." These amounts for 2007 are as follows: S. Bresky, $51,915; R. Steer, $41,158; R. Brenneman, $37,350; E. Gonzalez, $23,717; and D. Dannov, $11,812. Also included in All Other Compensation are the amounts paid for unused paid time off. These amounts for 2007 are as follows: S. Bresky, $21,635; R. Steer, $22,115; R. Brenneman, $17,308; E. Gonzalez, $13,462; and D. Dannov, $5,769. Also included in All Other Compensation is Seaboard's contributions to its 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan on behalf of the Named Executive Officers, amounts paid for disability and life insurance and individual perquisites, including amounts paid as an automobile allowance, fuel card usage, personal usage of Seaboard's airplane and a gross-up for related taxes. The incremental cost to Seaboard in 2007 for airplane usage for S. Bresky is $80,407 and for R. Steer is $29,367, calculated based on the flight time charges and other incremental charges incurred by Seaboard relative to the flights. Reimbursement for taxes owed on the above-stated items total as follows for each of the Named Executive Officers for 2007: S. Bresky, $29,491; R. Steer, $19,720; R. Brenneman, $11,830; E. Gonzalez, $9,629; and D. Dannov, $8,640. (5) S. Bresky was promoted to President and Chief Executive Officer in July 2006. (6) D. Dannov was promoted to President of Seaboard Overseas and Trading Group in August 2006. 9 EMPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS WITH NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS Seaboard and each of the Named Executive Officers are parties to an Employment Agreement. Each of the Employment Agreements contains the following principal terms: (i) a current term of five years, commencing July 1, 2007, renewed annually for a like term of five years, unless Seaboard furnishes a written notice of non-renewal; (ii) payment of a minimum base salary in the amounts of $440,000 for S. Bresky and R. Steer; $370,000 for R. Brenneman; $225,000 for E. Gonzalez and D. Dannov; (iii) payment of an annual minimum bonus in the amounts of $450,000 for S. Bresky and R. Steer; $400,000 for R. Brenneman; and $250,000 for E. Gonzalez and D. Dannov; (iv) upon the death or termination of the employee's employment by Seaboard due to disability or for "Cause" (as defined) or by the employee without "Good Reason" (as defined), payment to the employee of his accrued salary and pro-rata bonus (based on the amount paid for the previous year) through the date of termination (collectively, "Accrued Compensation"), payable within 30 days of termination; (v) upon an involuntary termination of the employee's employment without "Cause," or a resignation by the employee for "Good Reason," payment to the employee of his Accrued Compensation and a severance ("Severance") equal to his then salary and most recent bonus for the balance of the term of the Employment Agreement, but not for less than one year with respect to salary, with the Severance based on the employee's salary paid in installments at the regular payroll payment dates for one year, with the balance of the Severance based on salary and the Severance based on the employee's bonus paid pursuant to a lump sum at the one year anniversary date of the termination; (vi) confidentiality, non-competition and non-solicitation provisions which apply during the employee's employment and for a period of one year after the termination of such employment, or two years, if the employee voluntarily resigns for any reason other than for "Good Reason"; (vii) in the event the employee breaches any of the confidentiality, non-competition or non-solicitation provisions, Seaboard will not pay the Severance, and the employee must return all Severance already received; (viii) upon an involuntary termination of the employee's employment without "Cause," or a resignation by the employee for "Good Reason," Seaboard must provide outplacement services for up to 90 days, with an estimated cost to Seaboard of $35,000 if the termination occurred December 31, 2007; and (ix) under Seaboard's Executive Retirement Plan, years of service credit accrues for the term of the severance period, and the final average earnings calculation under this plan is determined considering the base salary and bonus paid during the severance period. 10 Following is a summary of the amounts which would be paid by Seaboard to each Named Executive Officer if, on December 31, 2007, his employment was involuntarily terminated without "Cause," or if he resigned for "Good Reason": Accrued Bonus through 12/31/07 Severance Payable Lump Sum Severance - Payable 30 Days Over One Year Payable One Year After Termination Date in Installments After Termination ($) ($) ($) ____________________________________________________________ Steven J. Bresky 1,200,000 750,000 8,025,000 Robert L. Steer 1,000,000 575,000 6,512,500 Rodney K. Brenneman 1,000,000 450,000 6,075,000 Edward A. Gonzalez 650,000 350,000 4,150,000 David M. Dannov 310,000 300,000 2,445,000 The Board of Directors has approved for each of the Named Executive Officers the right to use Seaboard's airplane for personal use. S. Bresky has been allotted 30 hours of flight time for personal use. Each of the other Named Executive Officers have been allotted 10 hours of flight time for personal use, and the right to use additional flight time hours for personal use by reimbursing Seaboard for the variable incremental cost to Seaboard for this flight time (primarily the occupied hourly rate charge and the fuel surcharge). Seaboard also will pay each of the Named Executive Officers for the incidental fees and expenses incurred related to the flights, including ground transportation, and a "tax gross-up" of the estimated federal and state income taxes each will incur as a consequence of this benefit. BENEFIT PLANS Executive Retirement Plan The Seaboard Corporation Executive Retirement Plan (the "Executive Retirement Plan") provides retirement benefits for a select group of the officers and managers, including the Named Executive Officers. The Executive Retirement Plan was amended effective November 2004 to give credit for all years of service with Seaboard, both before and after becoming a participant. For years of service before becoming a participant (pre-participation service), the benefit is equal to 0.65 percent of the final average remuneration (salary plus bonus) of the participant, plus 0.50 percent of final average remuneration of the participant in excess of Social Security Covered Compensation, all multiplied by the participant's pre-participation service. For years of service after becoming a participant (post-participation service), the benefit is equal to 2.5 percent of the final average remuneration of the participant, multiplied by the participant's years of post-participation service. This amount is reduced by the following: (i) the amount such participant has accrued under the Seaboard Corporation Pension Plan (described below); (ii) the amount, if any, of frozen benefits earned under the Executive Retirement Plan prior to December 31, 1996, pursuant to the Frozen Executive Benefit Plan described below; and (iii) the benefit earned under the Executive Retirement Plan from 1994 though 1996 that resulted in cash payments from the Plan that were based on the cost to purchase such benefit. Benefits under the 11 Executive Retirement Plan are currently unfunded. As of December 31, 2007, all of the Named Executive Officers were fully vested, as defined in the Executive Retirement Plan. Payment of Executive Retirement Plan benefits begins upon the earlier of: (i) normal retirement at age 62 or older; (ii) death; (iii) separation of service (provided the employee is at least 55 years old, has at least 10 years of service and has been a participant in the plan for 5 years after November 2004); or (iv) any change of control of Seaboard. Subject to certain conditions, the benefit is paid pursuant to a "Single Lump Sum Payment," which is equivalent in value to the benefit described above, payable in "Single Life Annuity" form. The Executive Retirement Plan allows for optional forms of payment under certain circumstances. The table in the Pension Benefits section below shows the present value of the accumulative benefit that would be payable under the Executive Retirement Plan at the earliest unreduced age (i.e., age 62) for pre-participation and post-participation service (note that each Named Executive began participation on January 1, 1994, with the exception of E. Gonzalez, who became a participant on January 1, 2005). The compensation for purposes of determining the pension benefits consists of salary and bonus. None of the benefits payable contain an offset for social security benefits. Following is a summary of the present value of the additional Executive Retirement Plan benefits for each Named Executive Officer under his Employment Agreement if, on December 31, 2007, his employment was involuntarily terminated without "Cause," or if he resigned for "Good Reason": Present Value of Executive Retirement Plan Benefit (1) Name ($) ______________________________________________ Steven J. Bresky 5,106,378 Robert L. Steer 2,268,402 Rodney K. Brenneman 1,516,542 Edward A. Gonzalez 917,092 David M. Dannov 844,572 ________________ (1) Assumes a retirement age of 62 for each Named Executive Officer. The value of the accrued benefit is based on the same assumptions used for determining the present value of the accumulated benefit of the Pension Benefits, as set forth in the Pension Benefits table on page 14 below. Pursuant to the Employment Agreement for each Named Executive Officer, years of service credit accrues for the term of the severance period, and the final average earnings calculation is determined using the base salary and bonus paid during the severance period. 12 Seaboard Corporation Pension Plan The Seaboard Corporation Pension Plan ("the Plan") provides defined benefits for its domestic salaried and clerical employees upon retirement. Beginning in fiscal 1997, each of the individuals named in the Summary Compensation Table participates in this Plan. Benefits under this Plan generally are based upon the number of years of service and a percentage of final average remuneration (salary plus bonus), subject to limitations under applicable federal law. As of December 31, 2007, all of the Named Executive Officers were fully vested, as defined in the Plan. Under the Plan, the benefit payment for a married participant is pursuant to a "50 Percent Joint and Survivor Annuity." This means the participant will receive a monthly annuity benefit for his/her lifetime, and an eligible surviving spouse will receive a lifetime annuity equal to 50 percent of the participant's benefit. The payment of the benefit for an unmarried participant is pursuant to a "Single Life Annuity." The Plan allows for optional forms of payment under certain circumstances. The normal retirement age under the Plan is age 65. However, unreduced benefits are available at age 62 with five years of service. The Pension Benefits table below shows the present value of the accumulated benefits that would be payable under the Plan at the earliest unreduced commencement age (i.e., age 62). The compensation, for purposes of determining the pension benefits, consists of salary and bonus. None of the benefits payable contain an offset for social security benefits. Each of the Named Executive Officers is 100 percent vested under a particular defined benefit ("Benefit") that was frozen at December 31, 1993 as part of the Plan. A definitive actuarial determination of the benefit amounts was made in 1995. The annual amounts payable upon retirement after attaining age 62 under this Benefit are as follows: S. Bresky, $32,796; R. Steer, $15,490; R. Brenneman, $6,540; E. Gonzalez, $2,643; and D. Dannov, $8,346. Under the Plan, the payment of this benefit is pursuant to a "Ten-Year Certain and Continuous Annuity." This means the participant would receive a monthly annuity benefit for his/her lifetime and, if the participant dies while in the ten-year certain period, the balance of the ten-year benefit would be paid to his/her designated beneficiary. If the participant dies while employed by Seaboard or after retirement, but before the commencement of benefits, monthly payments would be made to the participant's beneficiary in the form of a 100 percent joint and survivor benefit. The Plan allows for optional forms of payment under certain circumstances. 13 Pension Benefits The following table sets forth the Years of Credited Service, the Present Value of the Accumulated Benefit and the Payments during the last fiscal year, pursuant to the above-described retirement plans for each of the Named Executive Officers. Present Payments Years of Value of During Credited Accumulated Last Fiscal Service Benefit Year Name Plan Name (#) ($) ($) _______________________________________________________________________________ Steven J. Bresky Executive Retirement Plan (1) 28 4,241,194 - 0 - Seaboard Corporation Pension Plan 25 388,503 - 0 - Robert L. Steer Executive Retirement Plan (1) 23 2,458,635 - 0 - Seaboard Corporation Pension Plan 20 173,953 - 0 - Rodney K. Executive Retirement Plan (1) 18 1,377,057 - 0 - Brenneman Seaboard Corporation Pension Plan 15 96,969 - 0 - Edward A. Executive Retirement Plan (1) 18 340,768 - 0 - Gonzalez Seaboard Corporation Pension Plan 18 93,175 - 0 - David M. Executive Retirement Plan (1) 20 532,468 - 0 - Dannov Seaboard Corporation Pension Plan 17 125,497 - 0 - __________________ (1) Credited years of post-participation service for each of the Named Executive Officers is 14 years, with the exception of E. Gonzalez whose credited years of post-participation service is three years. The credited years of pre-participation service for each of the Named Executive Officers is as follows: S. Bresky 14; R. Steer 9; R. Brenneman 4; E. Gonzalez 15; and D. Dannov 6. 14 Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan In 2005, Seaboard adopted the Seaboard Corporation Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan (the "Deferred Compensation Plan"), which gives a select group of management or highly-compensated employees the right to defer salary and bonus to be paid by Seaboard at a later time, all in accordance with applicable ERISA and income tax laws and regulations. No income taxes are payable by the participants on amounts deferred pursuant to the Deferred Compensation Plan until they are paid to the participant. The Deferred Compensation Plan also provides for a Company contribution to be credited to participants in an amount equal to Seaboard's 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan matching percentage, currently 3 percent, of each participant's deferral pursuant to the Plan, and of each participant's annual compensation in excess of the Tax Code limitation on the amount of compensation that can be taken into account under Seaboard's 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan. The amount of such limitation in 2007 and 2006 for Seaboard was $220,000 and $210,000, respectively. All amounts deferred and all Company contributions credited are included in the amounts reported in the Summary Compensation Table above. Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan Aggregate Executive Registrant Aggregate Balance Contributions Contributions Earnings Aggregate atLast in Last in Last in Last Withdrawals/ Fiscal Fiscal Year(1) Fiscal Year Fiscal Year Distributions Year End Name ($) ($) ($) ($) ($) _______________________________________________________________________________ Steven J. Bresky 711,962 50,671 93,665 - 0 - 1,234,444 Robert L. Steer 525,788 44,971 74,403 - 0 - 1,015,696 Rodney K. Brenneman 448,620 40,163 68,113 - 0 - 926,273 Edward A. Gonzalez 170,000 20,487 16,013 - 0 - 289,097 David M. Dannov - 0 - 6,080 714 - 0 - 9,969 ___________ (1) Represents bonus earned in 2006 and deferred when paid in 2007, except for E. Gonzalez, which represents 2007 salary deferred. 15 Investment Option Plan For the years 2001-2004, Seaboard established the Investment Option Plan, which allowed executives to reduce their compensation in exchange for an option to acquire interests measured by reference to three alternative investments. However, as a result of U.S. tax legislation passed in October 2004, reductions to compensation after 2004 were no longer allowed. The exercise price for each investment option was established based upon the fair market value of the underlying investment on the date of grant. Investment Option Plan (1) Net Aggregate Aggregate Aggregate Balance Exercise Balance Earnings Aggregate at Last Price at Last in Last Withdrawals/ Fiscal for Fiscal Fiscal Year(2) Distributions Year End Option Year End Name ($) ($) ($) ($) ($) _______________________________________________________________________________ Steven J. Bresky 370,162 - 0 - 4,752,170 783,838 3,968,332 Robert L. Steer 366,377 - 0 - 4,702,544 758,938 3,943,606 Rodney K. Brenneman 149,369 - 0 - 2,061,580 362,798 1,698,782 Edward A. Gonzalez - 0 - - 0 - - 0 - - 0 - - 0 - David M. Dannov 10,326 - 0 - 132,510 21,629 110,882 _______________ (1) Neither Registrant nor any of the Named Executive Officers made any contributions to the Investment Option Plan in 2007 and 2006. (2) Includes above-market earnings, the amount of which for each of the Named Executive Officers for 2007 and 2006 is included in the Summary Compensation Table (see Footnote 3 thereof). Retiree Medical Benefit Plan The Seaboard Corporation Retiree Medical Benefit Plan provides family medical insurance to certain members of management, including each Named Executive Officer, upon his retirement in the event he has attained age 50, and has completed at least 15 years of service. This benefit is also furnished in the event the Named Executive Officer's employment is involuntarily terminated (other than if the Named Executive Officer unlawfully converted a material amount of funds), or in the event of a change of control of Seaboard. 16 Following is a summary of the present value cost to Seaboard of this benefit, assuming that this benefit was triggered and said medical insurance began to be furnished on December 31, 2007. Present Value of Retiree Medical Benefit(1) Name ($) ______________________________________________ Steven J. Bresky 214,760 Robert L. Steer 245,106 Rodney K. Brenneman 253,167 Edward A. Gonzalez 254,905 David M. Dannov 247,704 __________ (1) To calculate the present value of this benefit, the assumptions for claims costs, health care trend, aging on claims, mortality and interest rate are the same as were used to accrue a liability on Seaboard's balance sheet. Executive Long-Term Disability Plan The Seaboard Corporation Executive Long-Term Disability Plan provides disability pay continuation to certain members of management, including R. Steer, R. Brenneman, E. Gonzalez and D. Dannov upon a long-term illness or injury that prevents the participant from being able to perform his duties. Benefits are payable following a 90 day elimination or waiting period. In conjunction with the Seaboard Corporation Group Long-Term Disability Plan, benefits payable are equal to 70 percent of participant's salary and bonus, up to $23,000 per month for R. Steer and R. Brenneman, and up to $18,000 per month for E. Gonzalez and D. Dannov. COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS Overview of Compensation Program The Board of Directors has responsibility for establishing, implementing and monitoring adherence with Seaboard's compensation philosophy. The Board ensures that the total compensation paid to the Named Executive Officers is fair, reasonable and competitive. Compensation Philosophy and Objectives Seaboard maintains the philosophy that determination of compensation for its executive officers by the Board of Directors is primarily based upon recognition that these officers are responsible for implementing Seaboard's long-term strategic objectives. The Board subjectively evaluates both performance and compensation to ensure that Seaboard maintains its ability to attract and retain superior employees in key positions, and that compensation provided to key employees remains competitive relative to compensation paid to similarly situated executives of our peer companies. Seaboard does not maintain any equity compensation plans, such as stock grants or stock options, unlike most of Seaboard's peer companies. 17 Seaboard has entered into employment agreements with each of the Named Executive Officers, agreeing to pay a minimum base salary and bonus and severance in the event of any termination by Seaboard without cause, and non-competition provisions which restrict the employee from accepting employment with competitors of Seaboard. The Board believes that this balance of providing assurance to the executives of minimum compensation, coupled with restrictions on leaving Seaboard and taking alternative employment is consistent with Seaboard's objective to attract and retain top executive employees. It is the Board's philosophy that the compensation of its Named Executive Officers should not be subject to dramatic increases or decreases based on short-term operating performance. For example, in years when Seaboard has higher than historical average operating results, bonuses of the Named Executive Officers are generally higher, but not reflective of the potential compensation that would have been paid to the executive through equity compensation if Seaboard maintained any equity compensation plans. Likewise, bonuses for executives generally do not decline significantly in a year when Seaboard has lower than historical average operating results. Setting Executive Compensation Based on the foregoing objectives, the Board of Directors establishes compensation based upon a subjective review of Company performance, compensation market data and individual performance. In furtherance of this, Watson Wyatt & Company, an outside global human resources consulting firm, conducts an annual review of Seaboard's total compensation program for the Named Executive Officers. The Watson Wyatt report sets forth a competitive market assessment of the Named Executive Officers, utilizing a comparison of total compensation against a peer group of publicly-traded and privately-held companies (collectively, the "Compensation Peer Group"). The Compensation Peer Group comprises companies in the same general industries as that of Seaboard and/or similarly sized companies in terms of total revenues. The companies comprising the Compensation Peer Group are: - Westlake Chemical Corp. - Pilgrims Pride Corp. - Greif Inc. - Hormel Foods Corp. - FMC Corp. - Weatherford International Ltd. - Sensient Technologies Corp. - Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan, Inc. - Smithfield Foods Inc. - McCormick & Co. Inc. A significant factor in determining total compensation is that most of the Compensation Peer Group provides long-term incentive compensation, such as stock grants or stock options. Seaboard does not maintain any equity compensation plans. The Board of Directors does not utilize a targeted percentile of the Watson Wyatt report, but instead utilizes the report as a factor in making its subjective determination as to compensation. 18 2007 Executive Compensation Components For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, the principal components of compensation for the Named Executive Officers were: - Base salary; - Bonus; - Retirement and other benefits; and - Perquisites and other personal benefits. Salaries and Bonuses. To establish the base salaries and bonuses for the Named Executive Officers, the Board of Directors makes a subjective determination, primarily considering: - Market data provided by Watson Wyatt; - Individual review of the executive's compensation, both individually and relative to other officers; - Individual performance of the executive; and - Seaboard's operating results. To determine the specific salary and bonus, a comparison to the total compensation by the Competitive Peer Group is undertaken. The 2007 bonuses of the Named Executive Officers are reflective of the operating results of Seaboard and/or the area of Seaboard's business for which the Named Executive Officer is responsible, although no specific targets are utilized, and a subjective evaluation of the market data. The amount of bonuses is more dependent upon Seaboard's operating results than base salaries. Retirement and Other Benefits. Each of the Named Executive Officers is a participant in the Executive Retirement Plan. The benefit under this plan is equal to 2.5 percent of the final average remuneration (salary plus bonus) of the participant, multiplied by the participant's years of service in the plan after January 1, 1997. The exact amount of the benefit, the offsets thereto and the benefit for years of service prior to January 1, 1997 are set forth in more detail on pages 11 to 12 of Seaboard's Proxy statement. Seaboard also maintains a tax-qualified retirement savings plan, to which all U.S.-based employees, including the Named Executive Officers, are able to contribute the lesser of up to 22 percent of their annual compensation, or the limit prescribed by the Internal Revenue Service. Seaboard will match 100 percent of the first 3 percent of compensation that is contributed to the Plan. All matching contributions vest fully after completing 5 years of service. 19 The Named Executive Officers, in addition to certain other executives, are entitled to participate in the Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan, which gives participants the right to defer salary and bonus to be paid by Seaboard at a later time, all in accordance with applicable ERISA and income tax laws and regulations. Seaboard also maintains for each of the Named Executive Officers and certain other executives the Seaboard Corporation Retiree Medical Benefit Plan, which provides family medical insurance to each participant upon his retirement: (i) in the event he has attained age 50, and has at least 15 years of service; or (ii) in the event the participant's employment is involuntarily terminated (other than if the participant unlawfully converted a material amount of funds); or (iii) in the event of a change of control of Seaboard. The Board believes that Seaboard's retirement and other benefits are consistent with the philosophy of Seaboard to provide security and stability of employment to the Named Executive Officers as a mechanism to attract and retain these employees. Perquisites and Other Personal Benefits. Seaboard provides the Named Executive Officers with perquisites and other benefits that the Board believes are reasonable and consistent with its overall compensation program to better enable Seaboard to attract and retain superior employees for key positions. These include an automobile allowance and gas charging privileges, life insurance, disability insurance, personal use of Seaboard's airplane up to a specified number of hours, and paid time off and pay for unused paid time off. Tax Implications Pursuant to Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, compensation in excess of $1 million paid to the Named Executive Officers is not deductible by Seaboard, subject to certain exceptions. The Board of Directors has considered the effect of Section 162(m) of the Code on Seaboard's executive compensation. To date, the Named Executive Officers have deferred, pursuant to the Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan, any compensation in excess of $1 million, such that Seaboard has not lost any deductions for compensation paid to the Named Executive Officers. COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT The entire Board of Directors (in the absence of a compensation committee) has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis set forth above with management, and based on this review and discussions, has determined that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in Seaboard's Annual Report on Form 10-K and this proxy statement. The Board of Directors is responsible for establishing the compensation for each of the Named Executive Officers. To assist the Board of Directors in determining 2007 bonuses and 2008 salaries for the Named Executive Officers, Seaboard retained Watson Wyatt & Company to conduct a Competitive Market Assessment. At the request of Robert Steer, Seaboard's Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Peter Mirakian Sr., Seaboard's Director of Human Resources, engaged Watson Wyatt to conduct a survey of the compensation of the top five executives at peer companies. Watson Wyatt then prepared a report summarizing the peer 20 analysis, and conducted a comparative analysis to the compensation being paid by Seaboard for these positions. A draft of the report was reviewed by P. Mirakian, Steven J. Bresky, Seaboard's President and Chief Executive Officer, and R. Steer, and the final report was delivered to the Board of Directors. S. Bresky and R. Steer discussed recommended 2007 bonuses and 2008 salaries for each of the Named Executive Officers, considering the Watson Wyatt report, Seaboard's performance and each Named Executive Officer's performance during 2007. At the Board of Director meeting establishing the 2007 bonuses and 2008 salaries for the Named Executive Officers, S. Bresky advised the other Board of Director members the 2007 bonuses and 2008 salaries he recommended that the Board approve for each of the Named Executive Officers. The 2007 bonuses and 2008 salaries for the Named Executive Officers were determined based on discussions by the Board of Directors at a meeting at which it reviewed the Watson Wyatt report and S. Bresky's recommendations. S. Bresky and David M. Becker, Seaboard's General Counsel, participated in the meeting, except that S. Bresky did not participate in the discussions of the Board of Directors of S. Bresky's 2007 bonus and 2008 salary. R. Steer participated only to describe to the Board of Directors the process utilized to retain Watson Wyatt and to describe his discussions with S. Bresky as to the recommended 2007 bonuses and 2008 salaries. The members of the Board of Directors reviewing and discussing the Compensation Disclosure and Analysis are as follows: Steven J. Bresky Joseph E. Rodrigues David A. Adamsen Douglas W. Baena Kevin M. Kennedy COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION The Board of Directors does not have a Compensation Committee. It is the view of the Board of Directors that Seaboard need not have a Compensation Committee because Seaboard is controlled by a single shareholder, Seaboard Flour, and because the full Board of Directors is able to perform the functions relative to executive compensation. The full Board of Directors participated in the consideration of executive and director compensation. S. Bresky is a member of the Board of Directors of Seaboard and participates in decisions by the Board regarding executive compensation, other than his own compensation. During 2007, Seaboard paid our director, J. Rodrigues, $554,770 under the Executive Retirement Plan, the Seaboard Corporation Pension Plan and an individual retirement plan. Related Party Transactions Procedures Seaboard has no formal policy or procedure that must be followed prior to any transaction, arrangement or relationship with a related person, as defined by SEC regulations (e.g., directors, executive officers, any 5 percent shareholder, or immediate family member of any of the foregoing). 21 Seaboard has a written conflict of interest policy, which requires directors, officers and employees to conduct their non-work activities in a manner that does not conflict with the best interests of Seaboard. Annually, all officers and salaried employees are required to complete a form disclosing all known conflicts of interest. Seaboard's Director of Human Resources and Seaboard's General Counsel review and approve any disclosed conflicts of interest. In the event any of the executive officers disclosed any conflict of interest, Seaboard's General Counsel would discuss the conflict with Seaboard's Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and/or Seaboard's President and Chief Executive Officer. In the event the conflict involved Seaboard's President and Chief Executive Officer and was otherwise material, the conflict would be reviewed and approved by Seaboard's Board of Directors. In addition to the procedures to review conflicts of interest, annually, Seaboard requires each director, nominee for a director and officer of Seaboard to complete a questionnaire which requires disclosure of any transaction or loan exceeding $120,000 between Seaboard and such person or any member of such person's immediate family. Any such matters which were disclosed would be reviewed by Seaboard's General Counsel and discussed with Seaboard's President and Chief Executive Officer and/or Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and/or Seaboard's Board of Directors, depending on the materiality of the matter. During 2007, there were no such related party transactions in excess of $120,000. The standards applied pursuant to the above-described procedures are to provide comfort that any conflict of interest or related party transaction is on an arms-length basis which is fair to Seaboard. This is principally accomplished by ensuring that the Seaboard person entering into or approving the transaction on behalf of Seaboard is independent of the person with the conflict of interest or engaging in the related party transaction with Seaboard. ITEM 2: SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has selected the independent registered public accounting firm of KPMG LLP as Seaboard's independent auditors to audit the books, records and accounts of Seaboard for the year ending December 31, 2008. Stockholders will have an opportunity to vote at the annual meeting on whether to ratify the Audit Committee's decision in this regard. Seaboard has been advised by KPMG LLP that neither it nor any member or associate has any relationship with Seaboard or with any of its affiliates other than as independent accountants and auditors. Submission of the selection of the independent auditors to the stockholders for ratification will not limit the authority of the Audit Committee to appoint another independent certified public accounting firm to serve as independent auditors if the present auditors resign or their engagement otherwise is terminated. Submission to the stockholders of the selection of independent auditors is not required by Seaboard's bylaws. A representative of KPMG LLP is expected to be present at the annual meeting. Such representative will have an opportunity to make a statement if he or she desires to do so and will be available to respond to appropriate questions. 22 The Board of Directors recommends that you vote for approval of the selection of KPMG LLP. Independent Auditors' Fees The following table presents fees for professional audit services rendered by KPMG LLP for the audit of Seaboard's annual financial statements for 2007 and 2006, and fees billed for other services rendered by KPMG LLP during such years. Type of Fee 2007 2006 _______________________________________________ Audit Fees(1) $1,731,837 $1,578,130 Audit-Related Fees(2) 16,552 20,540 Tax Fees(3) 177,394 223,623 All Other Fees(4) 1,595 6,414 ____________ (1) Audit Fees, including those for statutory audits, include the aggregate fees paid by us during 2007 and 2006 for professional services rendered by KPMG LLP for the audit of our annual financial statements and internal controls over financial reporting, and the review of financial statements included in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. (2) Audit-Related Fees include the aggregate fees paid by us during 2007 and 2006 for assurance and related services by KPMG LLP that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial statements and not included in Audit Fees. (3) Tax Fees include the aggregate fees paid by us during 2007 and 2006 for professional services rendered by KPMG LLP for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning, including IRS audit support and transfer pricing studies. (4) All Other Fees represent miscellaneous services performed in certain foreign countries. Pre-Approval of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Services The Audit Committee has established a policy to pre-approve all audit and permissible non-audit services. Prior to the engagement of the independent auditor, the Audit Committee pre-approves the services by category of service. Fees are estimated and the Audit Committee requires the independent auditor and management to report actual fees, as compared to budgeted fees by category of service. The Audit Committee has delegated pre-approval authority to the Audit Committee Chairman for engagements of less than $25,000. For informational purposes only, any pre-approval decisions made by the Audit Committee Chairman are reported at the Audit Committee's next scheduled meeting. The percentage of audit-related fees, tax fees and all other fees that were approved by the Audit Committee for fiscal 2007 was 100 percent of the total fees incurred. 23 Audit Committee Report to Stockholders The Audit Committee of Seaboard is comprised of three directors who are "independent," as defined by the American Stock Exchange listing standards, and operates under a written charter. The Audit Committee Charter is available on Seaboard's website at www.seaboardcorp.com. The Audit Committee has reviewed the audited financial statements for fiscal year 2007 and discussed them with management and with the independent auditors, KPMG LLP. The Audit Committee also discussed with KPMG LLP the matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 114, "The Auditor's Communications with Those Charged with Governance." The Audit Committee has received the written disclosures and the letter from the independent auditors required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1, "Independence Discussions with Audit Committees," as amended, and have discussed with the independent auditors their independence. The Audit Committee has concluded that the independent auditors currently meet applicable independence standards. The Audit Committee has reviewed the independent auditors' fees for audit and non-audit services for fiscal year 2007. The Audit Committee considered whether such non-audit services are compatible with maintaining independent auditor independence and has concluded that they are compatible at this time. Based on its review of the audited financial statements and the various discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements be included in Seaboard's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007. The foregoing has been furnished by the Audit Committee: David A. Adamsen (Chair) Douglas W. Baena Kevin M. Kennedy OTHER MATTERS The notice of meeting provides for the election of directors, the selection of independent auditors and for the transaction of such other business, as may properly come before the meeting. As of the date of this proxy statement, the Board of Directors does not intend to present to the meeting any other business, and it has not been informed of any business intended to be presented by others. However, if any other matters properly come before the meeting, the persons named in the enclosed proxy will take action and vote proxies, in accordance with their judgment of such matters. Action may be taken on the business to be transacted at the meeting on the date specified in the notice of meeting or on any date or dates to which such meeting may be adjourned. 24 SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE Based solely on a review of the copies of reports furnished to Seaboard and written representations that no other reports were required, Seaboard believes that during fiscal 2007, all reports of ownership required under Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for directors and executive officers of Seaboard and beneficial owners of more than 10 percent of Seaboard's common stock have been timely filed. STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS It is anticipated that the 2009 annual meeting of stockholders will be held on April 27, 2009. Any stockholder who intends to present a proposal at the 2009 annual meeting must deliver the proposal to Seaboard at 9000 West 67th Street, Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66202, Attention: David M. Becker by the applicable deadline below: - If the stockholder proposal is intended for inclusion in Seaboard's proxy materials for that meeting, Seaboard must receive the proposal no later than November 10, 2008. Such proposal must also comply with the other requirements of the proxy solicitation rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission. - If the stockholder proposal is to be presented without inclusion in Seaboard's proxy materials for that meeting, Seaboard must receive the proposal no later than January 28, 2009. Proxies solicited in connection with the 2009 annual meeting of stockholders will confer on the appointed proxies discretionary voting authority to vote on stockholder proposals that are not presented for inclusion in the proxy materials, unless the proposing stockholder notifies Seaboard by January 24, 2009 that such proposal will be made at the meeting. The Board of Directors does not provide a process for stockholders to send communications to the Board because it believes that the process available under applicable federal securities laws for stockholders to submit proposals for consideration at the annual meeting is adequate. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The consolidated financial statements of Seaboard for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, together with corresponding consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, are contained in the Annual Report which is mailed to stockholders with this proxy statement. The Annual Report is not to be regarded as proxy solicitation material. 25 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Any stockholder desiring additional information about Seaboard and its operations may, upon written request, obtain a copy of Seaboard's Annual Report to the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 10-K without charge. Requests should be directed to Shareholder Relations, Seaboard Corporation, 9000 West 67th Street, Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66202. Seaboard's Annual Report to the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 10-K is also available on Seaboard's Internet website at www.seaboardcorp.com. HOUSEHOLDING OF PROXY MATERIALS The Securities and Exchange Commission has adopted rules that permit companies and intermediaries (including brokers) to satisfy the delivery requirements for proxy statements and annual reports with respect to two or more stockholders sharing the same address by delivering a single proxy statement addressed to those stockholders. This process, which is commonly referred to as "householding," potentially means extra convenience for stockholders and cost savings for companies. This year, a number of brokers with account holders who are stockholders of Seaboard may be "householding" our proxy materials. A single proxy statement may be delivered to multiple stockholders sharing an address, unless contrary instructions have been received from the affected stockholders. Once you have received notice from your broker that it will be "householding" communications to your address, "householding" will continue until you are notified otherwise, or until you notify your broker or us that you no longer wish to participate in "householding." If, at any time, you no longer wish to participate in "householding" and would prefer to receive a separate proxy statement and annual report in the future, you may (i) notify your broker; (ii) direct your written request to: Shareholder Relations, Seaboard Corporation, 9000 West 67th Street, Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66202; or (iii) contact Shareholder Relations at (913) 676-8800. Stockholders who currently receive multiple copies of the proxy statement at their address and would like to request "householding" of their communications should contact their broker. In addition, we will promptly deliver, upon written or oral request to the address or telephone number above, a separate copy of the annual report and proxy statement to a stockholder at a shared address to which a single copy of the documents was delivered. 26 SEABOARD CORPORATION THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS - APRIL 28, 2008 The undersigned hereby appoints Steven J. Bresky and Robert L. Steer and each of them, proxies with full power of substitution, to vote as designated below, on behalf of the undersigned all shares of Stock which the undersigned may be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Seaboard Corporation (the "Company") on April 28, 2008, and any adjournments thereof, with all power that the undersigned would possess if personally present. In their discretion, the proxies are hereby authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting and any adjournments or postponements thereof. This Proxy will be voted in accordance with specification made. If no choices are indicated, this proxy will be voted FOR all listed nominees and FOR the proposal listed below. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS 1. The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the listed nominees. For Withhold For Withhold Steven J. Bresky [] [] Kevin M. Kennedy [] [] David A. Adamsen [] [] Joseph E. Rodrigues [] [] Douglas W. Baena [] [] APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS 2. The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR proposal 2. Ratify the appointment of KPMG LLP as independent auditors of the Company [] FOR [] AGAINST [] ABSTAIN PLEASE MARK FRONT SIDE, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THIS PROXY CARD PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. Please sign exactly as name appears hereon. When shares are held by joint tenants, both should sign. When signing as attorney, executor, trustee or other representative capacity, please give full title as such. If a corporation, please sign in full corporate name by President or other authorized officer. The signer hereby revokes all proxies heretofore given to vote at said meeting or any adjournment thereof. ________________________ Signature of Stockholder ________________________ Signature of Stockholder Date:____________, 2008.