Notice of Request for Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Docket No. LS-98-011]

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 an extension of a currently

approved information collection used to compile and generate grain

related reports for the livestock and grain market news program.

DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before April 26, 1999.

[[Page 9122]]

ADDRESSES: Contact Jimmy A. Beard; Assistant to the Chief; Livestock

and Grain Market News Branch, Livestock and Seed Program, AMS-USDA,

Room 2619, South Building, P.O. Box 96456, Washington, D.C. 20090-6456.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jimmy A. Beard, (202) 720-1050.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Grain Market News Reports and

Molasses Market News Reports.

OMB Number: 0581-0005.

Expiration Date of Approval: 5-31-99.

Type of Request: Extension of a currently approved information

collection.

Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621 et

seq.) 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.

Under this program, USDA issues market news reports on grain and

molasses. These reports are compiled, on a voluntary basis, in

cooperation with the grain and feed industry. Market news reporting

must be timely, accurate, unbiased 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 used

for their programs. 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, since the Government is a large

purchaser of grain and related products, the reporting and use of this

data is helpful.

Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of

information is estimated to average .014 hours per response.

Respondents: Business or other for profit, individuals or

households, farms, Federal Government.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 200.

Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 52.

Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 368 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 methodology and

assumptions used; (3) ways to enhance 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, Assistant to the Chief,

Livestock and Grain Market News Branch, Livestock and Seed Program,

AMS-USDA, Room 2619, South Building, P.O. Box 96456, Washington, D.C.

20090-6456.

All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the

request for OMB approval. All comments will also become a matter of

public record, and will be made available at the address above during

regular business hours.

Dated: February 17, 1999.

John E. Van Dyke,

Acting Deputy Administrator, Livestock and Seed Program.

[FR Doc. 99-4543 Filed 2-23-99; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 3410-02-P