UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D. C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of

the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)   September 22, 2012

HORMEL FOODS CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

[  ]      Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

[  ]      Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

[  ]      Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

[  ]      Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

1

Section 5 – CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

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

On September 25, 2012, Hormel Foods Corporation (the Company) issued a press release announcing the election of Christopher J. Policinski to its Board of Directors, effective September 22, 2012.

Mr. Policinski is currently the President and Chief Executive Officer of Land O’ Lakes, Inc., headquartered in Arden Hills, MN.  Mr. Policinski will join the Audit and Contingency Committees of the Board of Directors.

Mr. Policinski 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 his election to the Board of Directors.  He 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.

Section 9 – FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits

(d)  Exhibits pursuant to Item 5.02

99.1                    Press release, dated September 25, 2012, announcing the election of Christopher J. Policinski to the Company’s Board of Directors

2

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

3