Grain Market News Reports; Request for Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection, 28726 [2011-12142]

Agencies

• Agricultural Marketing Service
• DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 96 (Wednesday, May 18, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Page 28726]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-12142]


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Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 96 / Wednesday, May 18, 2011 / 
Notices

[[Page 28726]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Doc. No. AMS-LS-11-0035]


Grain Market News Reports; Request for Extension of a Currently 
Approved Information Collection

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: 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 approval from the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) for an extension of the currently approved 
information collection used to compile and generate grain market news 
reports.

DATES: Comments must be received by July 18, 2011.

ADDRESSES: Comments should be submitted electronically at https://www.regulations.gov. Comments may also be submitted to Mike Lynch, 
Chief, Livestock and Grain Market News Branch, Livestock and Seed 
Program, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture; STOP 0252; 1400 Independence Avenue, SW.; Room 2619-S; 
Washington, DC 20250-0252. All comments should reference docket number 
AMS-LS-11-0035 and note the date and page number of this issue of the 
Federal Register.
    Submitted comments will be available for public inspection at 
https://www.regulations.gov or at the above address during regular 
business hours. Comments submitted in response to this Notice will be 
included in the records and will be made available to the public. 
Please be advised that the identity of the individuals or entities 
submitting the comments will be made public on the Internet at the 
above address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mike Lynch, Chief, Livestock and Grain 
Market News Branch, AMS, USDA, by telephone at (202) 720-6231, or e-
mail at: Michael.Lynch@ams.usda.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Title: Grain Market News Reports.
    OMB Number: 0581-0005.
    Expiration Date of Approval: 11-30-2011.
    Type of Request: Extension of a currently approved information 
collection.
    Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621--
1627) 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.
    The grain industry has requested that USDA continue to issue market 
news reports on grain. These reports are compiled by AMS on a voluntary 
basis in cooperation with the grain and feed industry. Market news 
reporting must be timely, accurate, and continuous if it is to be 
useful to producers, processors, and other stakeholders. 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, such 
as USDA's Farm Service Agency that administers the Farmer-owned Reserve 
Program. 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, the Government is a large 
purchaser of grain and related products. A system to monitor the 
collection and reporting of data is crucial to ensuring fair and 
equitable prices are paid.
    The information must be collected, compiled, and disseminated by an 
impartial third party, in a manner which protects the confidentiality 
of the reporting entity. AMS is in the best position to provide this 
service.
    Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of 
information is estimated to average .0333 hours per response.
    Respondents: Business or other for-profit entities, individuals or 
households, farms, and the Federal Government.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 160.
    Estimated Number of Responses: 1,680.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 11.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 56 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 validity of the 
methodology and assumptions used; (3) ways to enhance the 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.
    All responses to this document will be summarized and included in 
the request for OMB approval. All comments will become a matter of 
public record.

    Dated: May 12, 2011.
David R. Shipman,
Acting Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-12142 Filed 5-17-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P