[Federal Register: May 27, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 102)] [Notices] [Page 28793-28794] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr27my99-30] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request May 20, 1999. 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 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), Washington, D.C. 20503 and to Departmental Clearance Office, USDA, OCIO, Mail Stop 7602, Washington, D.C. 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) 720-6746. 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. National Agricultural Statistics Service Title: Field Crops Objective Yield. OMB Control Number: 0535-0088. Summary of Collection: The National Agricultural Statistics Service's (NASS) primary function is to prepare and issue current official State and national estimates of crop and livestock production. General authority for these data collection activities is granted under U.S. Code Title 7, Section 2204. This statute specifies that the Secretary of Agriculture shall procure and preserve all information concerning agriculture which he can obtain * * * by the collection of statistics * * * and shall distribute them among agriculturists. Data collected in this information collection sets yield estimates for wheat, corn, cotton, soybeans, and potatoes. The Objective Yield Survey provides an unbiased input by utilizing plant counts and other measurements during the growing season. This information is one of the information sources used in making agricultural policy decisions. NASS will collect information using a survey. Need and Use of the Information: NASS will collect information on sample fields of wheat, corn, cotton, soybean, potatoes, and durum wheat. The information will be used to anticipate loan receipts and pricing of loan stocks for grains. Description of Respondents: Farms. Number of Respondents: 8,100. Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Annually. Total Burden Hours: 4,013. National Agricultural Statistics Service Title: Egg, Chicken, and Turkey Surveys. OMB Control Number: 0535-0004. Summary of Collection: The primary function of the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is to prepare and issue current official State and national estimates of crop and livestock production. Thousands of farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses and others voluntarily respond to nationwide surveys about crops, livestock, prices, and other agricultural activities. Estimates of egg, chicken, and turkey production are an integral part of this program. General authority for these data collection activities is granted under U.S. Code Title 7, Section 2204. This statute specifies that the Secretary of Agriculture shall procure and preserve all information concerning agriculture which he can obtain by the collection of statistics and shall distribute them among agriculturists. Information published from the surveys in this docket are needed by USDA economists and government policy makers to ensure the orderly marketing of broilers, turkeys and eggs. Need and Use of the Information: Statistics on these poultry products contribute to a comprehensive program of keeping the government and poultry industry abreast of anticipated changes. All of the poultry reports are used by producers, processors, feed dealers, and others in the marketing and supply channels as a basis for their production and marketing decisions. Description of Respondents: Farms. Number of Respondents: 6,883. [[Page 28794]] Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Weekly, Monthly, Annually. Total Burden Hours: 5,421. Food and Nutrition Service Title: FSP-State Agency Options. OMB Control Number: 0584-New. Summary of Collection: The Food Stamp Act of 1977, as amended by the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) establishes a program whereby needy households apply for and receive food stamp benefits. It specifies national eligibility standards but allows State agencies certain options in administering the program. These options relate to establishing a homeless shelter deduction; establishing, periodically reviewing, and updating standard utility allowances to be used in excess shelter cost computation; and establishing a methodology for offsetting costs of producing self- employment income. The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) will collect information from State agencies on the methods used to calculate these deductions and allowances. Need and Use of the Information: FNS will collect information from State agencies on how the various Food Stamp Program implementation options will be determined. The information collected will be used by FNS to establish quality control reviews, standards, and self- employment costs. Description of Respondents: State, Local, or Tribal Government. Number of Respondents: 49. Frequency of Responses: Recordkeeping; Reporting: On occasion. Total Burden Hours: 296. Nancy B. Sternberg, Departmental Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. 99-13473 Filed 5-26-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-01-M