[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 86 (Friday, May 2, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Page 24212]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-9652]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Docket No. AMS-LS-08-0011]


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 approval from the Office of 
Management and Budget, for an extension of the currently approved 
information collection used to compile and generate grain and molasses 
market news reports.

DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by July 1, 2008 to be 
assured of consideration.
    Additional Information or Comments: Comments may be mailed to Jimmy 
A. Beard; Assistant to the Chief; Livestock and Grain Market News 
Branch, Livestock and Seed Program, Agricultural Marketing Service, 
U.S. Department of Agriculture; STOP 0252; 1400 Independence Avenue 
SW.; Room 2619-S; Washington, DC 20250-0252; Phone (202) 720-8054; Fax 
(202) 690-3732; or e-mailed to the Federal Rulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov or e-mailed to [email protected]. State 
that your comments refer to Docket No. AMS-LS-08-0011.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Warren Preston, Chief, Livestock 
and Grain Market News Branch, AMS, USDA, by telephone on 202/720-4846, 
or via e-mail at: [email protected] or Jimmy A. Beard, Assistant 
to the Chief, Livestock and Grain Market News Branch, AMS, USDA, or by 
telephone on 202/720-8054, or e-mail at: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Grain Market News Reports and 
Molasses Market News Reports.
    OMB Number: 0581-0005.
    Expiration Date of Approval: 09-30-2008.
    Type of Request: Extension of a currently approved information 
collection.
    Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621-
1627), section 203(g) 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.
    The grain industry has requested that USDA continue to issue market 
news reports on grain and molasses. These reports are compiled on a 
voluntary basis, by AMS in cooperation with the grain and feed 
industry. Market news reporting must be timely, accurate, and 
continuous if it is to be useful to producers, processors, and the 
trade in general. Industry traders can use market news information to 
make marketing decisions on when and where to buy and sell. For 
example, a producer could compare prices being paid at local, terminal, 
or export elevators to determine which location will provide the best 
return. Some traders might choose to chart prices over a period of time 
in order to determine the most advantageous day of the week to buy or 
sell, or to determine the most favorable season. In addition, the 
reports are used by other Government agencies to evaluate market 
conditions and calculate price levels, such as USDA's Farm Service 
Agency, that administers the Farmer-owned Reserve Program. Economists 
at most major agricultural colleges and universities use the grain and 
feed market news reports to make short and long-term market 
projections. Also, the Government is a large purchaser of grain and 
related products. A system to monitor the collection and reporting of 
data, therefore is needed.
    The information must be collected, compiled, and disseminated by an 
impartial third-party, in a manner which protects the confidentiality 
of the reporting entity. AMS is in the best position to provide this 
service.
    Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of 
information is estimated to average .0333 hours per response.
    Respondents: Business or other for-profit entities, individuals or 
households, farms, and the Federal Government.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 202.
    Estimated Number of Responses: 3864
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 19.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 129 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 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 may be sent to Jimmy A. Beard; 1400 
Independence Ave; Room 2619-S; Washington, DC 20250-0252. Comments can 
be submitted to: http://www.regulations.gov and viewed there as well. 
All comments received will be available for public inspection during 
regular business hours at the same address or on the Internet at http://www.ams.usda.gov/lsmnpubs.
    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.

    Dated: April 28, 2008.
Lloyd Day,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
 [FR Doc. E8-9652 Filed 5-1-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P