Non-substantive change justification

Non-substantive Change Request

0535-0213 – Agricultural Surveys – December Hogs, (quarterly and annual surveys), January Cattle, and January Sheep and Goats

In NASS’s continuing effort to standardize questionnaires and to minimize the frequency in which farmers are contacted, NASS is submitting this non-substantive change request.

Overview of non-substantive change request – The hog and cattle surveys are currently approved to collect the value of breeding livestock. The sheep and goat survey is currently approved to collect values for both breeding and market animals. NASS would like to expand the cattle and hog surveys to include the additional values for market animals.

In addition, this non-substantive change request will be for the expansion of the predator loss questions. Currently, NASS is approved to collect predator loss data in Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, and Utah under cooperative agreements with those states. Recently NASS received funding from the USDA - Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to collect predator loss data for cattle and goats for the entire US in FY 2016. This information is utilized by APHIS to design effective programs to address predators and their economic impact on the farm and ranch communities. The predator loss questions for cattle and sheep have generally been done every five years if funding was made available.

The base month for sampling of hogs is December. For cattle, sheep, and goats the base month is January. The follow-on surveys that are done during the year are subsampled from these base months. With the approval of this non-substantive change request, NASS would be able to incorporate these changes into the upcoming data collection cycles, which coincide with the approved funding.

December Hogs Survey

In response to data requests received at trade shows and livestock association meetings, NASS’s Statistics Division decided it would improve the quality of livestock estimates if we expand the amount of detail we collect for each livestock category to match what is currently collected in our Sheep and Goats Survey.

Currently NASS collects only the “Breeding Hog Value” in the December Hogs Survey:

Breeding Hog Value
[If no breeding hogs (sows, gilts, or boars) were reported in item 2 or item 3, then go to item 7.]	Dollars
5. What is the average replacement value per head of hogs and pigs used and to be used for breeding? (Nearest whole dollar.). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	877

NASS plans to expand this for the 2015 December Hogs Survey to:

Inventory Values for Hogs and Pigs on Hand on December 1, 2015
6. What is the average value per head of the following [Report to nearest dollar.] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	Dollars
a. Sows and gilts used and to be used for breeding?	xxx
b. Boars used and to be used for breeding?	xxx
c. Market hogs and pigs for each of the following four weight groups?
(i) Under 50 pounds? (Include, unweaned pigs intended for market or home use.)	xxx
(ii) 50 – 119 pounds?	xxx
(iii) 120 – 179 pounds?	xxx
(iv) 180 pounds and over? (Include sows and boars no longer used for breeding.)	xxx

NASS survey methodologists feel this slight increase in detail will not create any noticeable burden on respondents. Hog farmers we talked with said they have the data readily available for the additional questions, since such data helps them make marketing decisions. For example, many hog farmers track market prices daily for the various weight classes in order to decide when to sell their animals. They must continually know their inventory by weight class in order to make such marketing decisions.

January Cattle Report

In January 2015 NASS only collected the “Breeding Stock Values” with the 2015 January Cattle Report:

12. What is the average replacement value per head of the following breeding stock: [Report to nearest dollar.]
a. Beef cows? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	$	190
b. Heifers kept for beef cow replacement weighing 500 pounds or more? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	$	192
c. Milk cows? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	$	266
d. Heifers kept for milk cow replacement weighing 500 pounds or more? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	$	267

e. Bulls weighing 500 pounds or more? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

191

In January 2016, NASS plans to expand the inventory values to include cattle and calves that may also be on the farm at the time of the survey.

12. What is the average value per head of the following: [Report to nearest dollar.]
a. Beef cows? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	$	190
b. Heifers kept for beef cow replacement weighing 500 pounds or more? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	$	192
c. Milk cows? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	$	266
d. Heifers kept for milk cow replacement weighing 500 pounds or more? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	$	267
e. Bulls weighing 500 pounds or more? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	$	191

f. Other heifers weighing 500 pounds or more? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	$	195
g. Steers weighing 500 pounds or more? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	$	196
h. Calves weighing less than 500 pounds? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	$	197

Similar to the additional hog questions, cattle producers routinely know their cattle inventory by weight class in order to make profitable marketing decisions. For this reason, the additional questions will not add noticeable burden to respondents.

Predator Loss Questions - Cattle

Every five years NASS collects predator loss data from cattle farmers as part of a reimbursable agreement with the USDA – Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). In January 2016 the cattle predator loss questions will be added back to the questionnaire.

In the 2011 January Cattle Report (2010 reference period) we asked the following questions:

Section 1A – Causes of Predator and Non - Predator Loss
Questions 1 – 13 are collected for use by other agencies within the Department of Agriculture.
[Refer to Items 6 and 7 on the previous pages.]			Office Use
1. If Cattle or Calves died or were lost on this operation last year, please report what happened to them.		1 - Incomplete	115
		3 – Valid Zero
Record answers in the tables below. How many Cattle or Calves died or were lost from:

2. Predator Causes:					Calves		Cattle
Bears. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		+		953			042
Bobcats or Lynx. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	+			952			041
Coyotes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	+			950			038
Dogs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	+			689			037
Foxes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	+			688			036
Wolves. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	+			687			039
Ravens. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	+			957			044
Eagles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	+			951			040
Vultures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	+			961			045
Mountain Lions, Cougars, or Pumas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	+			954			043
Other Predators [specify] ____________________________ . . . . . . . . . . . . .	+			955			049
Unknown predators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	+			960			060
3. Non – Predator Causes:
Digestive problems (bloat, scours, parasites, enterotoxemia, acidosis, etc.) . .	+			962			046
Respiratory problems (pneumonia, shipping fever, etc.). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	+			964			047
Metabolic problems (milk fever, grass tetany, etc.). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	+			965			048
Mastitis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	+			967			051
Lameness or injury. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	+			968			054
Other Diseases. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	+			963			063
Weather related causes (chilling, drowning, lightning, etc.). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	+			956			050
Calving related problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	+			966			053
Poisoning (nitrate poisoning, noxious feeds, noxious weeds, etc.). . . . . . . . . . .	+			958			052
Theft (stolen). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	+			024			056
Other non - predator causes (old age, etc.) [specify] __________________ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	+			027			057
Unknown non - predator causes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	+			032			058
4. Add calf and cattle deaths by cause in each column. These totals should agree with the death loss recorded in items 6 and 7 previously. If they don’t agree, make corrections wherever necessary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
	=			028			059
5. How many calves and cattle were injured but not killed by predators during 2010? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .						970		971

6. Did you use any non-lethal methods to prevent wildlife-caused losses on your cattle operation? 1Yes = 1, Continue 3No = 3, Go to Item 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

134

7. To prevent wildlife caused losses on your cattle operation, Did you use:	Yes	No
a. Guard Animals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	1	3		121
b. Fencing (Predator Exclusion Fencing). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	1	3		124
c. Herding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	1	3		126
d. Night Penning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	1	3		127
e. Fright Tactics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	1	3		128
f. Livestock Carcass Removal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	1	3		129
g. Culling Older Cattle to Prevent Death Loss. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	1	3		130
h. Frequent Checks in High Predation Areas/Seasons. . . . . . . . . . . . . .	1	3		132
i. Other Non – lethal (specify: ________________________ ). . . . . . . .	1	3		133
8. Did you spend any money on non-lethal predator control measures for cattle and calves during 2010?
1Yes = 1, Continue 3No = 3, Go to Item 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .				135

	Dollars
9. How much was spent on cattle and calves for non-lethal predator control measures by this operation during 2010?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	136

10. Did you spend any money on lethal predator control measures for cattle and calves during 2010?
1Yes = 1, Continue 3No = 3, Go to Item 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		137

	Dollars
11. How much was spent on cattle and calves for lethal predator control measures by this operation during 2010?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	138

12. Did you have the assistance of a County, State or Federal Government Trapper in controlling predators of cattle and calves in 2010?
1Yes = 1, 3No = 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	139
13. If you quit raising cattle within the past year which of the following was the primary reason: 1Disease = 1 2Predator loss = 2 3Price of cattle or cattle products = 3 4Retirement = 4 5Weather (drought, etc.) = 5 6Other causes = 6 (specify ___________________________________ )
	140

In the January 2016 Cattle Report NASS plans to add “old age” as an option for question 3, and delete questions 12 and 13. The remainder of the questions will remain the same as they were in 2011. The additional predator loss questions are estimated to add approximately 10 minutes of respondent burden to each questionnaire. However the sample size for 2016 will be less than originally estimated. The table on the last page shows the adjusted respondent burden.

January Sheep and Goat Report

Angora

Milk

Meat & Other

In January 2015 we asked the following goat kid question.

6. Deaths and Losses During 2014 How many kids died or were lost from all causes during 2014? (Exclude kids born dead.). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1102

1105

1106

In January 2016 we will expand this question to provide more detail on goat kid deaths.

6. How many kids died or were lost from all causes before being weaned during 2015: (Exclude kids born dead.). . . . . . . . . . . . .	xxx	xxx	xxx
7. How many kids died or were lost from all causes after being weaned during 2015? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	xxx	xxx	xxx

Predator Loss Questions – Sheep and Goats

Every five years NASS collects predator loss data from sheep farmers as part of a reimbursable agreement with the USDA – Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). In January 2015 this data was collected from sheep farmers from across the country. For the January 2016 survey, NASS was asked by APHIS to collect predator loss data for goats. The questions are basically the same as they were for the January 2015 sheep portion of the questionnaire.

Deaths and Losses During 2015 (Include goats and kids that died or were lost on grazing land leased on a fee per head or animal unit month (AUM) basis.)		How many kids died or were lost from all causes before being weaned during 2015?	How many kids died or were lost from all causes after being weaned during 2015?	How many goats died or were lost from all causes during 2015?
14. Report the number of kids or goats that died or were lost from all causes for the following:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	=	xxx	xxx	xxx

[If the total in Item 14 was zero, go to Section 3; otherwise, continue. The total for Item 14 should equal the total

reported for Items 6, 7, and 8.]

15. Of the (item 14) kids or goats that died or were lost, how many were lost from the following causes in 2015?

Predator Causes		Kids before being weaned	Kids after being weaned	Goats
a. Bears . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	+	xxx	xxx	xxx
b. Bobcats or Lynx . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	+	xxx	xxx	xxx
c. Coyotes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	+	xxx	xxx	xxx
d. Dogs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	+	xxx	xxx	xxx
e. Foxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	+	xxx	xxx	xxx
f. Mountain lions, cougars, or pumas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	+	xxx	xxx	xxx
g. Wolves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	+	xxx	xxx	xxx
h. Vultures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	+	xxx	xxx	xxx
i. Ravens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	+	xxx	xxx	xxx
j. Feral pigs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	+	xxx	xxx	xxx
k. Eagles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	+	xxx	xxx	xxx
l. Other known predator causes (specify: ________________)	+	xxx	xxx	xxx
m. Other unknown predator causes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	+	xxx	xxx	xxx

		Kids before being weaned	Kids after being weaned		Goats
Non–Predator Causes	+	xxx	xxx		xxx
n. Enterotoxemia (overeating) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	+	xxx	xxx		xxx
o. Internal parasites. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	+	xxx	xxx		xxx
p. Other digestive problems (bloat, scours, acidosis, etc.). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	+	xxx	xxx		xxx
q. Respiratory problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	+	xxx	xxx		xxx
r. Metabolic problems (milk fever, etc.). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	+	xxx	xxx		xxx
s. Other disease problems (mastitis, foot rot, etc.). . . . . . . . . . . . .	+	xxx	xxx		xxx
t. Weather related (chilling, drowning, lightning, etc.) . . . . . . . . . .	+	xxx	xxx		xxx
u. Starvation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	+	xxx	xxx		xxx
v. Kidding problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	+	xxx	xxx		xxx
w. Pregnancy toxemia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	+	xxx	xxx		xxx
x. Poisoning (nitrate, noxious feeds, noxious weeds, etc.). . . . . . .	+	xxx	xxx		xxx
y. Theft (stolen). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	+	xxx	xxx		xxx
z. Other non-predator causes (lameness, etc.) (specify: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . )	+	xxx	xxx		xxx
aa. Found dead (cause undetermined) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	+	xxx	xxx		xxx
bb. Unknown non-predator causes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	+	xxx	xxx		xxx
				Head
16. During 2015, how many bred does were on this operation?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .				xxx

	Head
17. Of the (Item 16) bred does, how many aborted (stillborn, mummified, fetuses) during 2015?. . . . . . . .	xxx

		Kids before being weaned	Kids after being weaned	Goats
18. How many kids and goats were injured but not killed by predators during 2015?		xxx	xxx	xxx

19. Which of the following nonlethal methods did you use to prevent wildlife-caused losses on your goat operation during 2015?

a. Guard dogs for goats. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .			xxx	1 Yes 3 No
b. Llamas for guarding goats. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .			xxx	1 Yes 3 No
c. Donkeys for guarding goats. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .			xxx	1 Yes 3 No
d. Fencing (predator exclusion fencing). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .			xxx	1 Yes 3 No
e. Kid shed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .			xxx	1 Yes 3 No
f. Herding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .			xxx	1 Yes 3 No
g. Night penning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .			xxx	1 Yes 3 No
h. Fright tactics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .			xxx	1 Yes 3 No
i. Removing carrion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .			xxx	1 Yes 3 No
j. Culling older goats to prevent death loss. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .			xxx	1 Yes 3 No
k. Changing bedding grounds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .			xxx	1 Yes 3 No
l. More frequent checks in high predation areas/seasons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .			xxx	1 Yes 3 No
m. Altered breeding season so kids are not born when predators such as coyotes are feeding their young. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .			xxx	1 Yes 3 No
n. Other nonlethal (specify:		)	xxx	1 Yes 3 No

20. Did you spend any money on nonlethal predator-control measures for goats and kids during 2015?
xxx 1 Yes – [Continue] 3 No – [Go to Item 21]

	Dollars
a. How much was spent on goats and kids for nonlethal predator-control measures by this operation during 2015? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	xxx

21. Did you spend any money on lethal predator-control measures for goats and kids during 2015?
xxx	1 Yes – [Continue] 3 No – [Go to Item 22]

	Dollars
a. How much was spent on goats and kids for lethal predator-control measures by this operation during 2015? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	xxx

22. Did you have the assistance of a State or Federal government trapper in controlling predators of goats and kids in 2015? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .			xxx		1 Yes 3 No
23. Did you quit raising goats during 2015?
xxx
1 Yes – [Continue] 3 No – [Go to Section 3]
24. Which of the following was the main reason you quit raising goats during 2015? [Check one only.]
xxx
1 Disease . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Predator loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3 Price of meat or milk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1 Retirement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1 ` Parasites or worms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Other reason (specify:		)

The respondent burden for these extra questions is expected to add 10 minutes to the questionnaires for the respondents who report goats.

In ID, MT, UT, and WY, NASS will ask the predator loss questions for both sheep and goat farmers. This is due to cooperative agreements NASS has with state government agencies in these four states. The death loss rates are relatively high in these states due to predators, and state agencies use the data to monitor predator management programs. The sheep predator loss questions are asked annually in these four states.

The table below shows the adjustment to sample sizes and burden for this non-substantive change to the hog, cattle, and sheep & goats surveys for 2015 and 2016.

Five years ago 45.9% of respondents on the Cattle Survey experienced losses due to predators. In 2014, 22.2% of respondents on the Sheep and Goats Survey experienced sheep losses due to predators. If the number of farmers who experienced losses due to predators are similar to previous years, then the increase in respondent burden will be much less than what is in the table below.