[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 131 (Monday, July 9, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Page 40323]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-16673]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

National Agricultural Statistics Service


Notice of Intent To Request Revision and Extension of a Currently 
Approved Information Collection

AGENCY: National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this 
notice announces the intention of the National Agricultural Statistics 
Service (NASS) to request revision and extension of a currently 
approved information collection, the Mink Survey. Revision to burden 
hours will be needed due to changes in the size of the target 
population and/or questionnaire length. The target population will be 
pulled from positive historical data, trade magazines, or grower's 
association's lists. The questionnaire that NASS is planning to use is 
the same as what was used in previous years. Any changes to the 
questionnaire would result from requests by industry data users.

DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by September 7, 2012 to 
be assured of consideration.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by docket number 0535-
0212, by any of the following methods:
     Email: [email protected]. Include docket number 
above in the subject line of the message.
     Fax: (202) 720-6396.
     Mail: Mail any paper, disk, or CD-ROM submissions to: 
David Hancock, NASS Clearance Officer, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 
Room 5336 South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 
20250-2024.
     Hand Delivery/Courier: Hand deliver to: David Hancock, 
NASS Clearance Officer, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 5336 South 
Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-2024.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joseph T. Reilly, Associate 
Administrator, National Agricultural Statistics Service, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, (202) 720-4333.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Title: Mink Survey.
    OMB Control Number: 0535-0212.
    Expiration Date of Approval: October 31, 2012.
    Type of Request: Intent to Seek Approval to Revise and Extend an 
Information Collection for 3 years.
    Abstract: The primary objective of the National Agricultural 
Statistics Service is to prepare and issue State and national estimates 
of crop and livestock production, prices, and disposition. The Mink 
Survey collects data on the number of mink pelts produced, the number 
of females bred, and the number of mink farms. Mink estimates are used 
by the federal government to calculate total value of sales and total 
cash receipts, by State governments to administer fur farm programs and 
health regulations, and by universities in research projects. The 
current expiration date for this docket is October 31, 2012. NASS 
intends to request that the Mink Survey be approved for another 3 
years.

    Authority:  These data will be collected under the authority of 
7 U.S.C. 2204(a). Individually identifiable data collected under 
this authority are governed by Section 1770 of the Food Security Act 
of 1985 as amended, 7 U.S.C. 2276, which requires USDA to afford 
strict confidentiality to non-aggregated data provided by 
respondents. This Notice is submitted in accordance with the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, (44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq.) and 
Office of Management and Budget regulations at 5 CFR part 1320.

    NASS also complies with OMB Implementation Guidance, 
``Implementation Guidance for Title V of the E-Government Act, 
Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act of 
2002 (CIPSEA),'' 72 FR 33362, Jun. 15, 2007.
    Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of 
information is estimated to average 10 minutes per response. NASS plans 
to mail out publicity materials with the questionnaires to inform 
producers of the importance of this survey. NASS will also use multiple 
mailings, followed up with phone and personal enumeration to increase 
response rates and to minimize data collection costs.
    Respondents: Farmers and ranchers.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 350.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 90 hours.
    Copies of this information collection and related instructions can 
be obtained without charge from David Hancock, NASS Clearance Officer, 
at [email protected] or at (202) 690-2388.
    Comments: Comments are invited 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 of the collection of information on 
those who are to respond, through the use of appropriate automated, 
electronic, mechanical, technological, or other forms of information 
technology collection methods.
    All responses to this notice will become a matter of public record 
and be summarized in the request for OMB approval.

    Signed at Washington, DC, June 19, 2012.
Joseph T. Reilly,
Associate Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2012-16673 Filed 7-6-12; 8:45 am]
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