[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 13 (Wednesday, January 21, 1998)] [Notices] [Page 3080] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 98-1301] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE National Agricultural Statistics Service Notice of Intent To Request an Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection AGENCY: National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13) and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulations at 5 CFR part 1320 (60 FR 44978, August 29, 1995), this notice announces the National Agricultural Statistics Service's (NASS) intention to request an extension of a currently approved information collection, the Agricultural Prices that expires May 31, 1998. DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by March 27, 1998 to be assured of consideration. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR COMMENTS: Contact Rich Allen, Associate Administrator, National Agricultural Statistics Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Room 4117 South Building, Washington, DC 20250-2000, (202) 720-4333. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Agricultural Prices. OMB Number: 0535-0003. Expiration Date of Approval: May 31, 1998. Type of Request: To extend a currently approved information collection. Abstract: The primary objective of the National Agricultural Statistics Service is to prepare and issue state and national estimates of crop and livestock production and prices. The Agricultural Prices surveys provide estimates of prices received by farmers and prices paid for production goods and services needed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. These price estimates are used to compute Parity Prices in accordance with requirements of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 as amended (Title III, Subtitle A, Section 301a). In addition, price data are used to administer target price provisions (deficiency payments) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990. The Agricultural Prices Surveys has approval from OMB for a 3- year period. NASS intends to request that the survey be approved for another 3 years. Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 11 minutes per response. Respondents: Individual Job Applicants. Estimated Number of Respondents: 81,800. Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 15,000 hours. Copies of this information collection and related instructions can be obtained without charge from Larry Gambrell, the Agency OMB Clearance Officer, at (202) 720-5778. Comments Comments are invited on: (a) 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; (b) 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; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, such as through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments may be sent to: Larry Gambrell, Agency OMB Clearance Officer, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Room 4162 South Building, Washington, DC, 20250-2000. 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. Signed at Washington, DC, January 14, 1998. Rich Allen, Acting Administrator, National Agricultural Statistics Service. [FR Doc. 98-1301 Filed 1-20-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-20-P