Justification for Generic Testing of Large Impact Farm Profiles

Large/Impact Farms Procedures Development, Generic Testing - OMB No. 0535-0248

Overview

NASS is working to formalize and document procedures used to collect data from large/impact farming establishments. We plan to work with 20-30 operations in a development phase to get feedback on the feasibility of using a ‘profile’ to show the organizational structure of the related operations in a large/impact farming establishment and customization of data collection.

Purpose of Test

Using ideas from the NASS state offices, as well as other statistical government agencies in the US, Canada, and Sweden, we are developing procedures to more efficiently collect data from large/impact farms. The purpose is to decrease overall burden by developing a customized data collection plan for the agricultural establishment and its related operations. Part of the customization will involve the development of an establishment profile and a data collection plan.

Detailed Information

Approximately 10-15 total operators/owners/managers of large/impact farming establishments in two states (Washington and California) will be selected by the state office to participate in the study. Operations will be selected based on several criteria including past response history, size of operation/establishment, the impact the operation/establishment has on any given commodity estimate, and distance from the state office.

The establishment contact will be asked to work with the state office director and/or staff to review the proposed procedures and materials and provide comments and suggestions to the procedures and materials. Specifically, they will be asked to review a brochure, the organizational chart profile, a calendar of surveys, and a cover letter, as well as the related procedures of calling and mailing materials. They will also be asked for their opinions on how to develop the profile and ideas on how to customize data collection for large operations and establishments

All operators/owners will be contacted by telephone, through the mail, and in person as part of the development phase.

Burden Calculations

Survey Year	Project	State	Sample size	Number of minutes per respondent	Burden Hours
2012	Large/Impact Farms Project	Washington	15	60	15
		California	15	60	15
		Total	30		30