[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 86 (Tuesday, May 4, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 24555-24556]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-10069]


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 Notices
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  Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 86 / Tuesday, May 4, 2004 / Notices  

[[Page 24555]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[No. LS-04-04]


Lamb Promotion, Research, and Information: Request for an 
Extension and Revision 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 intention to request approval from the Office of Management 
and Budget (OMB), for an extension and revision of the currently 
approved information collection, under the Lamb Promotion, Research, 
and Information Program.

DATES: Comments must be received by July 6, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Send comments to Kenneth R. Payne, Chief; Marketing Programs 
Branch, Room 2638-S; Livestock and Seed Program; Agricultural Marketing 
Service, USDA; STOP 0251; 1400 Independence Avenue, SW.; Washington, DC 
20250-0251. Comments may also be submitted electronically to 
[email protected] or by fax 202/720-1125. All comments should 
reference the docket number (LS-04-04), the date, and the page number 
of this issue of the Federal Register. Comments will be available for 
public inspection via the Internet at http://www.ams.usda.gov/lsg/mpb/rp-lamb.htm or during regular business hours, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 
eastern time, Monday through Friday, at the above address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 
Kenneth R. Payne, Chief, Marketing Programs Branch on 202/720-1115, via 
facsimile on 202/720-1125, or via e-mail at [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    Title: Lamb Promotion, Research, and Information Program.
    OMB Number: 0581-0198.
    Expiration Date of Approval: August 31, 2004.
    Type of Request: Extension and Revision of a currently approved 
information collection.
    Abstract: The current information collection was approved as part 
of the Lamb Promotion, Research, and Information Order (Order) (7 CFR 
part 1280) final rule published on April 11, 2002. The Order provided 
for the establishment of a national and industry-funded lamb promotion, 
research, and information program pursuant to the Commodity Promotion, 
Research, and Information Act of 1996 (Act) (7 U.S.C. 7411 et seq.). 
The information collection requirements in the request are essential to 
carry out the intent of the Act and Order. While the Order imposes 
certain recordkeeping requirements on persons subject to the Order, 
information required under the Order can be compiled from records 
currently maintained. The Order's provisions have been carefully 
reviewed, and every effort has been made to minimize these 
recordkeeping costs or requirements.
    The American Lamb Board (Board) utilizes a variety of forms to 
carry out its responsibilities under the Act and Order. Such forms 
include a background information form, application for refund, monthly 
remittance report form, application for certified organizations, a 
nomination form for appointment to the Board, and a statement of 
certification form. The forms require the minimum information necessary 
to effectively carry out the requirements of the program, and their use 
is necessary to fulfill the intent of the Act. Such information can be 
supplied without data processing equipment or outside technical 
expertise. In addition, there are no additional training requirements 
for individuals filling out the forms. The forms are simple, easy to 
understand, and place as small a burden as possible on the person 
required to file the information.
    The timing and frequency of collecting information are intended to 
meet the needs of the industry while minimizing the amount of work 
necessary to fill out the required reports. In addition, the 
information included on these forms is not available from other 
industry sources because such information relates specifically to 
individuals or organizations subject to the provisions of the Act.
    Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of 
information is estimated to average .60 hours per response.
    Respondents: Producers, seedstock producers, market agencies, first 
handlers, feeders, and exporters.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 67,486.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 25,118.
    Estimated Number of Responses: 114,374.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.69.
    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 validity of the 
methodology and assumptions used; (3) ways to enhance the 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 should be sent to Kenneth R. Payne, 
Chief; Marketing Programs Branch, Room 2638-S; Livestock and Seed 
Program; Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA; STOP 0251; 1400 
Independence Avenue, SW.; Washington, DC 20250-0251. Comments may also 
be submitted electronically to [email protected] or by fax 202/720-
1125. All comments should reference the docket number (LS-04-04), the 
date, and the page number of this issue of the Federal Register.
    All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the 
request for OMB approval. All comments will become a matter of public 
record.


[[Page 24556]]


    Dated: April 28, 2004.
A.J. Yates,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 04-10069 Filed 5-3-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P