[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 159 (Friday, August 15, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 47876-47878]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-18927]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE


Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

August 12, 2008.
    The Department of Agriculture has submitted the following 
information collection requirement(s) to OMB for review and clearance 
under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13. Comments 
regarding (a) whether the 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 burden including the validity of the 
methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, 
utility and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) ways to 
minimize the burden of the collection of information

[[Page 47877]]

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 should be addressed 
to: Desk Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory 
Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), [email protected] or fax (202) 395-5806 and to Departmental 
Clearance Office, USDA, OCIO, Mail Stop 7602, Washington, DC 20250-
7602. Comments regarding these information collections are best assured 
of having their full effect if received within 30 days of this 
notification. Copies of the submission(s) may be obtained by calling 
(202) 720-8681.
    An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information 
unless the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB 
control number and the agency informs potential persons who are to 
respond to the collection of information that such persons are not 
required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays 
a currently valid OMB control number.

Agricultural Marketing Service

    Title: Pork Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Program; 
Request for Referendum.
    OMB Control Number: 0581-NEW.
    Summary of Collection: The Request for Referendum is a result of a 
settlement of a lawsuit entered into February 28, 2001, between U.S. 
Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Michigan Pork Producers 
Association, In., et al., USDA agreed to conduct a request for 
referendum to determine whether 15 percent of eligible pork producers 
and importers want a referendum on the Pork Promotion, Research, and 
Consumer Information Order--more commonly known as the Pork Checkoff. 
The Pork Checkoff is authorized by the Pork Promotion, Research, and 
Consumer Information Act of 1985 (Act). The Act authorizes the 
collection of assessments from pork producers and importers of hogs, 
pigs, pork, and pork products.
    Need and Use of the Information: The Agricultural Marketing Service 
will collect the request for referendum information using form LS-54-1 
and Customs Form 7501 and any other needed supporting documentation. 
Producers must submit completed form LS 54-1 and supporting 
documentation including sales receipts, feed and veterinary bills to 
the appropriate county FSA office as proof of eligibility. Importers 
must submit completed form LS 54-1, Customs Form 7501 and any other 
supporting documentation as needed, that demonstrates the importation 
of hogs, pigs, pork, or pork products as proof of eligibility. 
Information collected will be used by the USDA to determine whether 
pork producers and importers want a referendum on the Order.
    Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit; Farms.
    Number of Respondents: 7,500.
    Frequency of Responses: Reporting: One time.
    Total Burden Hours: 1,500.

Agricultural Marketing Service

    Title: Grain News Reports and Molasses Market News.
    OMB Control Number: 0581-0005.
    Summary of Collection: The Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 
U.S.C. 1621) 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. 
Livestock and Grain News provides a timely exchange of accurate and 
unbiased information on current marketing conditions (supply, demand, 
prices, trends, movement, and other information) affecting trade in 
livestock, meats, grain, and wool. Administered by the U.S. Department 
of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), this nationwide 
market news program is conducted in cooperation with approximately 30 
State departments of agriculture. The up-to-the-minute reports 
collected and disseminated by professional market reporters are 
intended to provide both buyers and sellers with the information 
necessary for making intelligent, informed marketing decisions, thus 
putting everyone in the marketing system in an equal bargaining 
position. AMS will collect information using market news reports.
    Need and Use of the Information: AMS will collect information on 
various aspects of the grain and feed industry in determining available 
supplies and current pricing. Industry traders use market news 
information to make marketing decisions on when and where to buy and 
sell. In addition, the reports are used by other Government agencies to 
evaluate market conditions and calculate price levels used for the 
Farmer-owned Reserve Program. The reports must be collected and 
disseminated by an impartial third party. Since the Government is a 
large holder of grain, some type of system would have to be established 
to monitor the collection and reporting data.
    Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit; 
Individuals or households; Farms.
    Number of Respondents: 202.
    Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion; Weekly; Monthly.
    Total Burden Hours: 129.

Agricultural Marketing Service

    Title: Plan for Estimating Daily Livestock Slaughter Under Federal 
Inspection.
    OMB Control Number: 0581-0050.
    Summary of Collection: The Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 
U.S.C. 1621) 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. 
Livestock and Grain News provides a timely exchange of accurate and 
unbiased information on current marketing conditions (supply, demand, 
prices, trends, movement, and other information) affecting trade in 
livestock, meats, grain, and wool. Administered by the U.S. Department 
of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), this nationwide 
market news program is conducted in cooperation with approximately 30 
State departments of agriculture. The up-to-the-minute reports 
collected and disseminated by professional market reporters are 
intended to provide both buyers and sellers with the information 
necessary for making intelligent, informed marketing decisions, thus 
putting everyone in the marketing system in an equal bargaining 
position.
    Need and Use of the Information: AMS will collect information on 
estimation of the current day's slaughter at their plant(s) and the 
actual slaughter of the previous day. The report is used to make market 
outlook projections and maintain statistical data. The information must 
be collected and disseminated by an impartial third party. Since the 
government is a large purchaser of meat, a system to monitor the 
collection and reporting of data is needed. Collecting this information 
less frequently would hinder the timely use of this data.
    Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit; 
Individuals or households; Farms.
    Number of Respondents: 72.
    Frequency of Responses: Reporting; Weekly; Other: Daily.

[[Page 47878]]

    Total Burden Hours: 623.

Charlene Parker,
Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. E8-18927 Filed 8-14-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P