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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

Docket ID: [Docket No. AMS-LS-08-0011]

NOTICE: NOTICES

DOCUMENT ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

SUBJECT CATEGORY: Notice of Request for Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection

DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by July 1, 2008 to be assured of consideration.

Additional Information or Comments: Comments may be mailed to Jimmy A. Beard; Assistant to the 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 2619S; Washington, DC 202500252; Phone (202) 7208054; Fax (202) 6903732; or emailed to the Federal Rulemaking Portal: http:// www.regulations.gov or emailed to marketnewscomments@usda.gov. State that your comments refer to Docket No. AMSLS080011.

DOCUMENT 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, for an extension of the currently approved information collection used to compile and generate grain and molasses market news reports.

SUMMARY: Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals,

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Title: Grain Market News Reports and Molasses Market News Reports.

OMB Number: 05810005.

Expiration Date of Approval: 09302008.

Type of Request: Extension of a currently approved information collection.

Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621 1627), section 203(g) 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 and molasses. These reports are compiled on a voluntary basis, by AMS 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 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, such as USDA's Farm Service Agency, that administers the Farmerowned Reserve Program. Economists at most major agricultural colleges and universities use the grain and feed market news reports to make short and longterm market projections. Also, the Government is a large purchaser of grain and related products. A system to monitor the collection and reporting of data, therefore is needed.

The information must be collected, compiled, and disseminated by an impartial thirdparty, 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 forprofit entities, individuals or households, farms, and the Federal Government.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 202.

Estimated Number of Responses: 3864

Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 19.

Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 129 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. Comments may be sent to Jimmy A. Beard; 1400 Independence Ave; Room 2619S; Washington, DC 202500252. Comments can be submitted to: http://www.regulations.gov and viewed there as well. All comments received will be available for public inspection during regular business hours at the same address or on the Internet at http:/ /www.ams.usda.gov/lsmnpubs.

All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will become a matter of public record.

Dated: April 28, 2008.
Lloyd Day,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. E89652 Filed 5108; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 341002P

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT Dr. Warren Preston, Chief, Livestock and Grain Market News Branch, AMS, USDA, by telephone on 202/7204846, or via email at: warren.preston@usda.gov or Jimmy A. Beard, Assistant to the Chief, Livestock and Grain Market News Branch, AMS, USDA, or by telephone on 202/7208054, or email at: jimmy.beard@usda.gov.