[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 67 (Thursday, April 8, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Page 17144]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-8764]


      
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 Notices
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  Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 67 / Thursday, April 8, 1999 / 
Notices  

[[Page 17144]]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service
[Docket No. LS-99-008]


Notice of Request for Extension of a Currently Approved 
Information Collection

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 
U.S.C. Chapter 35), this notice announces the Agricultural Marketing 
Service's (AMS) intention to request an extension of a currently 
approved information collection used to compile and generate the 
livestock and meat market reports for the Livestock and Grain Market 
News Program.

DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before June 7, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Jimmy A. Beard; Assistant to the Chief; Livestock and Grain 
Market News Branch, Livestock and Seed Program, AMS-USDA, Room 2619 
South Building, P.O. Box 96456, Washington, D.C. 20090.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jimmy A. Beard, (202) 720-1050.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Title: Livestock and Meat Market Reports.
    OMB Number: 0581-0154.
    Expiration Date of Approval: 01-31-2000.
    Type of Request: Extension of a currently approved information 
collection.
    Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621, et 
seq.) directs and authorizes the collection and dissemination of 
marketing information including adequate outlook information, on a 
market area basis, for the purpose of anticipating and meeting consumer 
requirements aiding in the maintenance of farm income and to bring 
about a balance between production and utilization.
    Under this market news program, USDA issues market news reports 
covering the livestock and meat trade, which includes a wide range of 
industry contacts, including packers, processors, producers, brokers, 
and retailers. These reports are compiled on a voluntary basis, in 
cooperation with the livestock and meat industry. The information 
provided by respondents initiates market news reporting, which must be 
timely, accurate, unbiased, and continuous if it is to be useful to the 
industry. The livestock and meat industry requested that USDA issue 
livestock and meat market reports in order to assist them in making 
immediate production and marketing decisions and as a guide in making 
sound marketing decisions. The industry uses the livestock and meat 
reports for assistance in making marketing and production decisions. 
Also, since the Government is a large purchaser of meat, the reporting 
and use of this data is helpful.
    Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of 
information is estimated at .03 hours per response.
    Respondents: Business or other for-profit, individuals or 
households, farms, Federal Government.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 450.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 520.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 7,020 hours.
    Comments are invited on: (1) Whether the proposed collection of 
information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of 
the agency, including whether the information will have practical 
utility; (2) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the 
proposed collection of information, including the methodology and 
assumptions used; (3) ways to enhance quality, utility, and clarity of 
the information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of 
the collection of information on those who are to respond, including 
the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other 
technological collection techniques or other forms of information 
technology.
    Comments may be sent to: Jimmy A. Beard, Assistant to the Chief, 
Livestock and Grain Market News Branch, Livestock and Seed Program, 
AMS-U SDA, Room 2619 South Building, P.O. Box 96456, Washington, D.C. 
20090-6456.
    All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the 
request for OMB approval. All comments will also become a matter of 
public record, and will be made available at the address above, during 
regular business hours.

    Dated: April 5, 1999.
Barry L. Carpenter,
Deputy Administrator, Livestock and Seed Program.
[FR Doc. 99-8764 Filed 4-7-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P