Exhibit 23.1

                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS





We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on
Form S-8 for the registration of 10,000,000 shares of common stock of Hormel
Foods Corporation pertaining to the Hormel Foods Corporation 2000 Stock
Incentive Plan, the Hormel Foods Corporation 2000 Nonemployee Director Stock
Option and Award Plan, and the Hormel Foods Corporation Nonemployee Director
Deferred Stock Plan, of our reports dated November 22, 1999, with respect to the
consolidated financial statements of Hormel Foods Corporation incorporated by
reference in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended October 30, 1999,
and the related financial statement schedules included therein, filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.


                                                     ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Minneapolis, Minnesota
August 16, 2000