[Federal Register: March 3, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 42)]
[Notices]               
[Page 10950]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr03mr06-24]                         

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Notices
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules 
or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings 
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statements of organization and functions are examples of documents 
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[[Page 10950]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

 
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

February 28, 2006.
    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), OIRA_Submission@OMB.EOP.GOV or 
fax (202) 395-5806 and to Departmental Clearance Office, USDA, OCIO, 
Mail Stop 7602, Washington, DC 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) 720-8958.
    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: Stocks Reports.
    OMB Control Number: 0535-0007.
    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. 
As part of this function, estimates are made for stocks of grain and 
including rice, oilseeds, potatoes, peanuts, hops, and dry beans. Grain 
and oilseed stocks in all positions are estimated quarterly. Grain 
stock estimates are one of the most important NASS estimates, which are 
watched closely by growers and industry groups. General authority for 
data collection is granted under U.S. Code Title 7, section 2204. The 
Hop Growers of America provides the data collection for much of the 
production information because of sensitivity issues an impartial third 
party, NASS, collects stocks and price information.
    Need and Use of the Information: NASS collects information to 
administer farm program legislation and make decisions relative to the 
export-import programs. Estimates of stocks provide essential 
statistics on supplies and contribute to orderly marketing. Farmers and 
agribusiness firms use these estimates in their production and 
marketing decisions. Collecting this information less frequently would 
eliminate data needed by government, industry and farmers to keep 
abreast of changes at the State and national level.
    Description of Respondents: Business or other for profit; Farms.
    Number of Respondents: 12,661.
    Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Monthly; Quarterly; Semi-
annually; Annually.
    Total Burden Hours: 14,388.

Charlene Parker,
Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.
 [FR Doc. E6-3046 Filed 3-2-06; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 3410-20-P