[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 235 (Monday, December 8, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 68326-68327]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-30327]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration


Request for Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved 
Information Collection

AGENCY: Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration, USDA.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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[[Page 68327]]

SUMMARY: This notice announces our intention to request a three year 
extension and revision of a currently approved information collection 
in support of the reporting and recordkeeping requirements under the 
Packers and Stockyards Act. This approval is required under the 
Paperwork Reduction Act.

DATES: We will consider comments that we receive by February 6, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Send comments via electronic mail to 
[email protected]. Send hardcopy written comments to Tess Butler, 
GIPSA, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Room 1647-S, Washington, DC 
20250-3604, or fax to (202) 690-2755. All comments should make 
reference to the date and page number of this issue of the Federal 
Register, and will be available for public inspection in the above 
office during regular business hours (7 CFR 1.27(b)).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards 
Administration (GIPSA) administers and enforces the Packers and 
Stockyards Act of 1921, as amended and supplemented (7 U.S.C. 181-229) 
(P&S Act). The P&S Act prohibits unfair, deceptive, and fraudulent 
practices by livestock market agencies, dealers, stockyard owners, meat 
packers, swine contractors, and live poultry dealers in the livestock, 
poultry, and meatpacking industries.
    Title: Packers and Stockyards Programs Reporting and Recordkeeping 
Requirements.
    OMB Number: 0580-0015.
    Expiration Date of Approval: September 30, 2004.
    Type of Request: Extension and revision of a currently approved 
information collection.
    Abstract: The P&S Act and the regulations under the P&S Act 
authorize the collection of information for the purpose of enforcing 
the P&S Act and regulations and to conduct studies as requested by 
Congress. The information is needed for GIPSA to carry out its 
responsibilities under the P&S Act. The information is necessary to 
monitor and examine financial, competitive, and trade practices in the 
livestock, meat packing, and poultry industries. The purpose of this 
notice is to solicit comments from the public concerning our 
information collection.
    Estimate of Burden: Public reporting and recordkeeping burden for 
this collection of information is estimated to average 8.5 hours per 
response.
    Respondents (Affected Public): Livestock auction markets, livestock 
dealers, packer buyers, meat packers, and live poultry dealers.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 10,950.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 3.3.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 304,106 hours.
    Copies of this information collection can be obtained from Tess 
Butler; see ADDRESSES section for contact information.
    As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 
3506(c)(2)(A)) and its implementing regulations (5 CFR 
1320.8(d)(1)(i)), we specifically request comments on:
    (a) 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;
    (b) The accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the 
proposed collection of information, including the validity of the 
methodology and assumptions used;
    (c) Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the 
information to be collected; and
    (d) Ways to minimize the burden on the collection of information on 
those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate 
automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection 
techniques or other forms of information technology.
    All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the 
request for the Office of Management and Budget approval. All comments 
will also become a matter of public record.

    Authority: 44 U.S.C. 3506 and 5 CFR 1320.8.

Donna Reifschneider,
Administrator, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration.
[FR Doc. 03-30327 Filed 12-5-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-EN-P