Delta and Pine Land Company (NYSE: DLP; "D&PL"), a leading commercial breeder, producer and marketer of cotton planting seed, today announced that Kenneth M. ("Kenny") Avery has been named Vice President of Finance, Treasurer and Assistant Secretary. Effective December 7, 2005, Mr. Avery will be responsible for accounting and finance and will report to Tom Jagodinski, D&PL President and CEO.
 
"We are delighted to welcome Kenny to the Delta and Pine Land team as we continue to strengthen our management team at all levels. He brings significant finance and management experience to the company, as well as an impressive accounting background and a strong reputation throughout the industry," said Tom Jagodinski. "As the leader of the Arthur Andersen team that served as D&PL's independent auditor for many years, Kenny is intimately familiar with our strategic direction and business model. He will be invaluable to our growth going forward."

Mr. Avery commented, "I am pleased to be joining Delta and Pine Land, a company I have worked with for 10 years, and I look forward to working with the excellent management team that is dedicated to driving growth and increasing shareholder value."

Most recently, Mr. Avery served as Vice President -- Controller for Eagle Materials Inc. (NYSE: EXP), where he led the refinancing of the Company's existing debt agreement, as well as a $200 million private placement transaction, and the Sarbanes Oxley Compliance effort. Prior to that, he launched Avery Consulting, providing finance and accounting advice for a variety of companies. From July 1990 to May 2002, Mr. Avery served in the audit division at Arthur Andersen. He was promoted to partner in 2001.

Mr. Avery received his Masters and Bachelors of Professional Accountancy from Mississippi State University. In addition, he is a member of both the Mississippi State Society of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Delta and Pine Land Company is a leading commercial breeder, producer and marketer of cotton planting seed. Headquartered in Scott, Mississippi, with multiple offices in eight states and facilities in several foreign countries, D&PL also breeds, produces and markets soybean planting seed in the U.S.