Amendment to the Beef Promotion and Research Rules and Regulations: Extension of Comment Period on Proposed Rule

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

7 CFR Part 1260

[No. LS-98-005]

Amendment to the Beef Promotion and Research Rules and

Regulations: Extension of Comment Period on Proposed Rule

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Extension of comment period on the proposed rule to amend the

Beef Promotion and Research Rules and Regulations.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is extending the

public comment period from October 27, 1998, to November 27, 1998, on

the proposed rule to amend the Beef Promotion and Research Rules and

Regulations (Rules and Regulations) established under the Beef

Promotion and Research Act of 1985 (Act) to clarify requirements for

documenting cattle sales transactions for which no assessments are due.

This proposed rule was published in the Federal Register on August 28,

1998.

DATES: Written comments must be received on or before November 27,

1998.

ADDRESSES: Send two copies of comments to Ralph L. Tapp; U.S.

Department of Agriculture; Livestock and Seed Program, AMS; Marketing

Programs Branch; STOP 0251, Room 2606-S; 1400 Independence Avenue, SW.;

Washington, D.C. 20090-0251. Comments received may be inspected at this

location between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except

holidays. State that your comments refer to Docket No. LS-98-005.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ralph L. Tapp, 202/720-1115.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Purpose

A proposed rule was published in the Federal Register on August 28,

1998 (63 FR 45971). The purpose of the rule is to clarify the fact that

persons selling cattle who are not classified as producers under the

Act must file a Statement of Certification of Non-Producer Status form

with the collecting person in a timely manner or otherwise an

assessment is due under the Act.

Reason for Granting an Extension

The Livestock Marketing Association (LMA), a national trade

organization representing 900 livestock auction and terminal markets

and livestock dealers and order buyers has requested a 30 day extension

of the comment period.

LMA has stated that it and other interested parties need more time

to have a number of questions answered concerning the impact of the

proposed rule on those it affects including producers, markets,

dealers, feedlots, and brand inspectors.

LMA members collect about one-third of the total assessments paid

by producers under the Act and therefore have a keen interest in any

changes involving the collection process.

After careful consideration of the request submitted to the Agency,

AMS has decided to grant an extension of the comment period for an

additional 30 days, or until November 27, 1998. AMS believes this 30

day extension making a total comment period of 90 days provides a

sufficient period of time for all interested persons to review the

proposed rule and submit comments.

Accordingly, AMS is extending the comment period on the proposed

rule until November 27, 1998.

Authority: 7 U.S.C. 2901 et seq.

Dated: October 23, 1998.

Barry L. Carpenter,

Deputy Administrator, Livestock and Seed Program.

[FR Doc. 98-28971 Filed 10-26-98; 11:15 am]

BILLING CODE 3410-02-P