2016 SUPPORTING STATEMENT
OMB NO. 0581-0186
EXPLAIN THE CIRCUMSTANCES THAT MAKE THE COLLECTION OF INFORMATION NECESSARY. IDENTIFY ANY LEGAL OR ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS THAT NECESSITATE THE COLLECTION.
The Livestock Mandatory Reporting Act of 1999 (1999 Act) authorizes the collection and reporting of information on the prices and quantities of livestock and livestock products. In 2001, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) implemented the Livestock Mandatory Reporting (LMR) program as required by the 1999 Act [Pub. L. 106-78; 113 Stat. 1188; 7 U.S.C. 1635-1636(i)]. On September 30, 2015, the Agriculture Reauthorizations Act of 2015 (2015 Reauthorization Act) reauthorized LMR for an additional five years, until September 30, 2020.
The request for information, as mandated by the 1999 Act and amended under the 2015 Reauthorization Act, requires livestock packing plants that annually slaughter an average of 125,000 cattle, 100,000 barrows and gilts, or 200,000 sows and boars; or slaughter or process an average of 35,000 lambs to report information as described in the 1999 Act. In addition, the 1999 Act as amended under the 2015 Reauthorization Act, requires importers that annually import an average of 1,000 metric tons of lamb meat products to report information as described in the 1999 Act.
The information collected is necessary for the proper performance of AMS functions concerning mandatory reporting of livestock market information.
INDICATE HOW, BY WHOM, AND FOR WHAT PURPOSE THE INFORMATION IS TO BE USED. EXCEPT FOR A NEW COLLECTION, INDICATE THE ACTUAL USE THE AGENCY HAS MADE OF THE INFORMATION RECEIVED FROM THE CURRENT COLLECTION.
The 1999 Act was established to provide timely, accurate, and reliable market information on the marketing of cattle, swine, lambs, and related products. The intent of LMR is to improve the price and supply reporting services of USDA and encourage competition in the marketplace for livestock and related products.
AMS is the primary user of the information collected and uses it to publish market reports mandated under the 1999 Act, available for free to the general public. The published information is used by the livestock and meat industry to impact current and future marketing and production decisions, and as reference prices for the calculation of formula and contract prices. Analysts and policy makers also depend on this information to assess market conditions and the performance of the livestock and meat sectors.
The information collection and recordkeeping requirements mandated by the 1999 Act are essential for AMS to administer a mandatory reporting program of livestock and livestock products. Using the information submitted by packers and importers, AMS publishes over 100 daily, weekly, and monthly reports covering market transactions for fed cattle, swine, lamb, beef, lamb meat, and pork meat. Collection is accomplished through electronic means, and AMS reports the information up to three times daily and once weekly. The information collected in order for AMS to meet the requirements and intentions of the 1999 Act is only available from the entities required to report. Based on the information available, AMS estimates that reports issued under the 1999 Act cover approximately 94% of the hog market, 78% of the cattle market, 43% of the sheep market, 43% of the boxed lamb market, 27% of the carcass lamb market, 93% of the boxed beef market, and 87% of the wholesale pork cuts.
List of Forms:
Since the last submission, the AMS Livestock and Seed Program (LS) merged with the Poultry Program, and consequently changed its name to Livestock, Poultry, and Seed Program (LPS). Therefore, the form numbers in this collection package are changing from LS-XXX to LPS-XXX to reflect the new program acronym LPS (Livestock, Poultry, and Seed Program).
Live Cattle Daily Report – Current Established Prices (LPS-113): provides description of each lot of purchased cattle.
Live Cattle Daily Report – Committed and Delivered Cattle (LPS-114): provides description of each lot of cattle committed or delivered to the packer.
Live Cattle Weekly Report – Forward Contract and Packer-Owned (LPS-115): provides breakdown of cattle purchased during prior week by different types of purchase.
Cattle Premiums and Discounts Weekly Report (LPS-117): provides information on packer’s intended carcass merit buying program for the upcoming week.
Cow/Bull Plant Delivered Bids (Dressed Basis) (LPS-131): provides information on packer’s intended offering prices for that day.
Live Cow/Bull Daily Purchase Report (LPS-132): provides description of each lot of cows/bulls purchased during the previous day.
Boxed Beef Daily Report (LPS-126): provides information on each boxed beef transaction for current day.
Wholesale Pork Daily Report (LPS-89): provides information on each wholesale pork transaction for current day by barrow and gilt, and sow and boar processors. (Same form used for both; shown on AMS-71 as separate entries.)
Swine Prior Day Report (LPS-118): provides description of each lot of hogs purchased during previous day. With this submission, this form is revised to include an additional purchase type for negotiated formula purchases of swine.
Swine Daily Report (LPS-119): provides information on current purchases of swine as of a set reporting time. With this submission, this form is revised to include an additional purchase type for negotiated formula purchases of swine.
Swine Noncarcass Merit Premium Weekly Report (LPS-120): provides listing of packer carcass merit buying program for the previous week.
Live Lamb Daily Report – Current Established Prices (LPS-121): provides description of each lot of lamb purchased.
Live Lamb Weekly Report (LPS-123): provides breakdown of lambs purchased during prior week by different types of purchase.
Live Lamb Weekly Report – Formula Purchases (LPS-124): provides information on slaughtered lambs purchased through formula marketing arrangements.
Lamb Premiums and Discounts Weekly Report (LPS-125): provides information on packer’s intended carcass merit buying program for the upcoming week.
Boxed Lamb Daily Report (LPS-128): provides information on each boxed lamb transaction for current day; the same form is used for domestic processors and importers and shown on AMS-71 as separate entries.
Lamb Carcass Report (LPS-129): provides information on each lamb carcass transaction for current day.
3. DESCRIBE WHETHER, AND TO WHAT EXTENT, THE COLLECTION OF INFORMATION INVOLVES THE USE OF AUTOMATED, ELECTRONIC, MECHANICAL, OR OTHER TECHNOLOGICAL COLLECTION TECHNIQUES OR OTHER FORMS OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, E.G. PERMITTING ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF RESPONSES, AND THE BASIS FOR THE DECISION FOR ADOPTING THIS MEANS OF COLLECTION. ALSO DESCRIBE ANY CONSIDERATION OF USING INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TO REDUCE BURDEN.
The 1999 Act stipulates that electronic data collection means must be used to any extent practicable as determined by the Secretary to meet regulatory objectives. To meet this requirement, AMS developed the Livestock Mandatory Price Reporting System (LMPRS), a database management system which electronically accepts data from the entities required to report; archives, translates and analyzes the data; produces and stores aggregated data, and creates aggregated reports for distribution to the public via the Internet. The system also replicates the data to a backup site for continuity of operations.
The LMPRS allows authorized plants and importers to electronically submit proprietary trade data to AMS on a daily basis. The data is transmitted via a secure web transmission, uploaded to LMPRS in a comma separated value (CSV) format through an embedded web server, and used by AMS reporters to import and review data prior to generating Market News aggregated reports.
As an alternative, AMS allows respondents to access an AMS maintained website where information is entered through web-based input screens and submitted to AMS where the data will then be uploaded to the AMS database system.
The submitted information is kept and maintained as a matter of normal business practice by the respondents, mainly through electronic recordkeeping systems. The AMS system of electronic submission for LMR minimizes burden.
AMS is committed to complying with the e-Government Act, which requires Government agencies to provide the public options of submitting information or transacting business electronically to the maximum extent possible.
4. DESCRIBE EFFORTS TO IDENTIFY DUPLICATION. SHOW SPECIFICALLY WHY ANY SIMILAR INFORMATION ALREADY AVAILABLE CANNOT BE USED OR MODIFIED FOR USE FOR THE PURPOSE(S) DESCRIBED IN ITEM 2 ABOVE.
The information collected is not available from any other source nor collected through any other means, and therefore is not duplicated elsewhere.
5. IF THE COLLECTION OF INFORMATION IMPACTS SMALL BUSINESSES OR OTHER SMALL ENTITIES (ITEM 5 OF THE OMB FORM 83-1), DESCRIBE THE METHODS USED TO MINIMIZE BURDEN.
The 1999 Act requires cattle and swine packing plants, lamb slaughter and processing plants, and lamb importers, all meeting specific annual slaughter, processing, and import capacity thresholds, to report information to the Secretary at prescribed times throughout the day and week. Many of the packing and processing plants and importers are exempt from reporting because of the capacity thresholds. At the end of 2014, based on figures published by the National Agricultural Statistics Service, there were 654 cattle, 620 swine, and 521 lamb federally inspected slaughter plants operating in the U.S.; and according to USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) International Trade Data System data there were 56 lamb importers. AMS estimates that approximately 43 cattle plants (6.6% of all federally inspected cattle plants), 67 swine plants (10.1% of all federally inspected swine plants), and 18 lamb packers and importers (9 carcass lamb plants and 9 importers) (1.7% of all federally inspected lamb plants and 16.1% of all lamb importers) would be required to report information. Of the 128 respondents in this information collection we estimate 33 are classified as small businesses. Nearly 93.4% of all cattle plants, 89.9% of all swine plants, 98.3% of all lamb packers, and 83.9% of lamb importers qualify as small business based on North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) size standard for meat packing companies with 500 or less employees (code 311611 for abattoirs) and are exempt from mandatory reporting.
In developing these regulations, AMS did consider other means by which the objectives of this rule could be accomplished, including reporting the required information by telephone, facsimile, and regular mail. AMS believes these alternatives are not capable of meeting the program objectives, specifically timely reporting. The 1999 Act describes specific times reporting entities must report by as well as specific times for AMS to publish a report. Electronic submission is the only method available for AMS to collect, aggregate, and publish reports while complying with the specific time-frames set forth in the 1999 Act. AMS believes it would not be possible to receive information over the telephone, facsimile, or regular mail, transcribe the information into electronic format, then aggregate and publish the information and comply with the publication time-frames set forth in the 1999 Act. However, AMS may provide for an exception to electronic reporting in emergency cases such as power failures, loss of Internet accessibility, or instances when an alternative is agreeable to AMS and the reporting entity. AMS also provides web-based input screens as an alternative option for entities to use when submitting information.
AMS cannot envision an alternative to the method of data transmission that would be less burdensome to small businesses. To assist reporting entities in complying with this rule, AMS provides technical assistance and training as needed to ensure they have the information necessary to comply with the electronic data transmission requirements.
6. DESCRIBE THE CONSEQUENCE TO FEDERAL PROGRAM OR POLICY ACTIVITIES IF THE COLLECTION IS NOT CONDUCTED OR IS CONDUCTED LESS FREQUENTLY, AS WELL AS ANY TECHNICAL OR LEGAL OBSTACLES TO REDUCING BURDEN.
This collection of information is required by the 1999 Act which specifically mandates the amount and frequency of the information collection. While the option to not collect or to collect less frequently would oppose the 1999 Act, AMS has sought ways to reduce the burden on respondents by addressing the manner in which information collection is conducted, as described in item 5 above.
7. EXPLAIN ANY SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES THAT WOULD CAUSE AN INFORMATION COLLECTION TO BE CONDUCTED IN A MANNER:
REQUIRING RESPONDENTS TO REPORT INFORMATION TO THE AGENCY MORE OFTEN THAN QUARTERLY;
The 1999 Act requires the collection of information on prices and quantities of livestock and livestock products on a daily and weekly basis; therefore, the information collection is carried out as mandated.
REQUIRING RESPONDENTS TO PREPARE A WRITTEN RESPONSE TO A COLLECTION OF INFORMATION IN FEWER THAN 30 DAYS AFTER RECEIPT OF IT;
REQUIRING RESPONDENTS TO SUBMIT MORE THAN AN ORIGINAL AND TWO COPIES OF ANY DOCUMENT;
REQUIRING RESPONDENTS TO RETAIN RECORDS, OTHER THAN HEALTH, MEDICAL, GOVERNMENT CONTRACT, GRANT-IN-AID, OR TAX RECORDS FOR MORE THAN 3 YEARS;
IN CONNECTION WITH A STATISTICAL SURVEY, THAT IS NOT DESIGNED TO PRODUCE VALID AND RELIABLE RESULTS THAT CAN BE GENERALIZED TO THE UNIVERSE OF STUDY;
REQUIRING THE USE OF A STATISTICAL DATA CLASSIFICATION THAT HAS NOT BEEN REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY OMB;
THAT INCLUDES A PLEDGE OF CONFIDENTIALITY THAT IS NOT SUPPORTED BY AUTHORITY ESTABLISHED IN STATUE OR REGULATION, THAT IS NOT SUPPORTED BY DISCLOSURE AND DATA SECURITY POLICIES THAT ARE CONSISTENT WITH THE PLEDGE, OR WHICH UNNECESSARILY IMPEDES SHARING OF DATA WITH OTHER AGENCIES FOR COMPATIBLE CONFIDENTIAL USE; OR
REQUIRING RESPONDENTS TO SUBMIT PROPRIETARY TRADE SECRET, OR OTHER CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION UNLESS THE AGENCY CAN DEMONSTRATE THAT IT HAS INSTITUTED PROCEDURES TO PROTECT THE INFORMATION'S CONFIDENTIALITY TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.
The 1999 Act requires packers to submit information on the prices and quantities of livestock and livestock products on a daily and weekly basis and also requires confidentiality be preserved regarding the identity of persons and proprietary business information. The information collected under this program is exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. All AMS employees with access to the information collected receive regular training on the importance of confidentiality and sign statements in which they agree to keep the identity of persons and proprietary business information confidential.
There are no other special circumstances. This collection of information is conducted in a manner consistent with guidelines in 5 CFR 1320.5 (d)(2).
8. IF APPLICABLE, PROVIDE A COPY AND IDENTIFY THE DATE AND PAGE NUMBER OF PUBLICATION IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER OF THE AGENCY'S NOTICE, REQUIRED BY 5 CFR 1320.8(d), SOLICITING COMMENTS ON THE INFORMATION COLLECTION PRIOR TO SUBMISSION TO OMB. SUMMARIZE PUBLIC COMMENTS RECEIVED IN RESPONSE TO THAT NOTICE AND DESCRIBE ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE AGENCY IN RESPONSE TO THESE COMMENTS. SPECIFICALLY ADDRESS COMMENTS RECEIVED ON COST AND HOUR BURDEN.
The 60-day notice for comments on this collection of information was published in the Federal Register on February 29, 2016 (Federal Register, Vol. 81, No. 39, 10205-10206). One comment was received but was not relevant to responses, respondents, and burden hours.
DESCRIBE EFFORTS TO CONSULT WITH PERSONS OUTSIDE THE AGENCY TO OBTAIN THEIR VIEWS ON THE AVAILABILITY OF DATA, FREQUENCY OF COLLECTION, THE CLARITY OF INSTRUCTIONS AND RECORDKEEPING, DISCLOSURE, OR REPORTING FORMAT (IF ANY), AND ON THE DATA ELEMENTS TO BE RECORDED, DISCLOSED, OR REPORTED.
AMS has met with industry organizations whose membership include packers, processors, and importers required to report information under this program. These organizations include the National Pork Producers Council, American Sheep Industry Association, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, and North American Meat Institute. AMS and industry members regularly discuss possible changes to LMR that could improve efficiency, optimize processes, enhance AMS reports, and minimize reporting burdens.
National Pork Producers Council
Contact: Neil Dierks
515-278-8012
American Sheep Industry Association
Contact: Paul Rodgers
304-647-9981
North American Meat Institute
Contact: Barry Carpenter
202-587-4262
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
Contact: Colin Woodall
202-638-0607
CONSULTATION WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THOSE FROM WHOM INFORMATION IS TO BE OBTAINED OR THOSE WHO MUST COMPILE RECORDS SHOULD OCCUR AT LEAST ONCE EVERY 3 YEARS -- EVEN IF THE COLLECTION OF INFORMATION ACTIVITY IS THE SAME AS IN PRIOR PERIODS. THERE MAY BE CIRCUMSTANCES THAT MAY PRECLUDE CONSULTATION IN A SPECIFIC SITUATION. THESE CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD BE EXPLAINED.
There are no special circumstances.
9. EXPLAIN ANY DECISION TO PROVIDE ANY PAYMENT OR GIFT TO RESPONDENTS, OTHER THAN REMUNERATION OF CONTRACTORS OR GRANTEES.
No payments or gifts are provided to respondents.
10. DESCRIBE ANY ASSURANCE OF CONFIDENTIALITY PROVIDED TO RESPONDENTS AND THE BASIS FOR THE ASSURANCE IN STATUTE, REGULATION, OR AGENCY POLICY.
The 1999 Act, 7 U.S.C. § 1636 (a), directs the Secretary to “…make available to the public information, statistics, and documents obtained from, or submitted by, packers, retail entities, and other persons under this subtitle in a manner that ensures that confidentiality is preserved regarding (1) the identity of persons, including parties to a contract; and (2) proprietary business information.”
11. PROVIDE ADDITIONAL JUSTIFICATION FOR ANY QUESTIONS OF A SENSITIVE NATURE, SUCH AS SEXUAL BEHAVIOR AND ATTITUDES, RELIGIOUS BELIEFS, AND OTHER MATTERS THAT ARE COMMONLY CONSIDERED PRIVATE. THIS JUSTIFICATION SHOULD INCLUDE THE REASONS WHY THE AGENCY CONSIDERS THE QUESTIONS NECESSARY, THE SPECIFIC USES TO BE MADE OF THE INFORMATION, THE EXPLANATION TO BE GIVEN TO PERSONS FROM WHOM THE INFORMATION IS REQUESTED, AND ANY STEPS TO BE TAKEN TO OBTAIN THEIR CONSENT.
There are no questions regarding sensitive language.
12. PROVIDE ESTIMATES OF THE HOUR BURDEN OF THE COLLECTION OF INFORMATION. THE STATEMENT SHOULD:
INDICATE THE NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS, FREQUENCY OF RESPONSE, ANNUAL HOUR BURDEN, AND AN EXPLANATION OF HOW THE BURDEN WAS ESTIMATED. UNLESS DIRECTED TO DO SO, AGENCIES SHOULD NOT CONDUCT SPECIAL SURVEYS TO OBTAIN INFORMATION ON WHICH TO BASE HOUR BURDEN ESTIMATES. CONSULTATION WITH A SAMPLE (FEWER THAN 10) OF POTENTIAL RESPONDENTS IS DESIRABLE. IF THE HOUR BURDEN ON RESPONDENTS IS EXPECTED TO VARY WIDELY BECAUSE OF DIFFERENCE IN ACTIVITY, SIZE, OR COMPLEXITY, SHOW THE RANGE OF ESTIMATED HOUR BURDEN, AND EXPLAIN THE REASONS FOR THE VARIANCE. GENERALLY, ESTIMATES SHOULD NOT INCLUDE BURDEN HOURS FOR CUSTOMARY AND USUAL BUSINESS PRACTICES.
IF THIS REQUEST FOR APPROVAL COVERS MORE THAN ONE FORM, PROVIDE SEPARATE HOUR BURDEN ESTIMATES FOR EACH FORM AND AGGREGATE THE HOUR BURDENS IN ITEM 13 OF OMB FORM 83-I.
PROVIDE ESTIMATES OF ANNUALIZED COST TO RESPONDENTS FOR THE HOUR BURDENS FOR COLLECTIONS OF INFORMATION, IDENTIFYING AND USING APPROPRIATE WAGE RATE CATEGORIES. THE COST OF CONTRACTING OUT OR PAYING OUTSIDE PARTIES FOR INFORMATION COLLECTION ACTIVITIES SHOULD NOT BE INCLUDED HERE. INSTEAD, THIS COST SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN ITEM 14.
Amendments to two swine reporting forms (LPS-118 and LPS-119) were made. Minor differences in estimated annual costs associated with each form are attributable to a change in the order of calculation and subsequent differences in numerical rounding.
LIVE CATTLE DAILY REPORT – Current Established Prices – Form LPS-113
Number of Respondents = 33
Frequency of Response = 2 times daily for 260 days.
Per Response Burden = .17 hour per electronic submission.
Annual Hour Burden = 2,917 hours.
Estimated Annual Cost = $76,781
LIVE CATTLE DAILY REPORT – Committed and Delivered Cattle – Form LPS-114
Number of Respondents = 33
Frequency of Response = 2 times daily for 260 days.
Per Response Burden = .17 hours per electronic submission.
Annual Hour Burden = 2,917 hours.
Estimated Annual Cost = $76,781
LIVE CATTLE WEEKLY REPORT – Form LPS-115
Number of Respondents = 33
Frequency of Response = 1 time per week for 52 weeks.
Per Response Burden = .25 hour per electronic submission.
Annual Hour Burden = 429 hours.
Estimated Annual Cost = $11,291
CATTLE PREMIUMS AND DISCOUNTS WEEKLY REPORT – Form LPS-117
Number of Respondents = 29
Frequency of Response = 1 per week for 52 weeks.
Per Response Burden = .08 hours per electronic submission.
Annual Hour Burden = 121 hours.
Estimated Annual Cost = $3,175
COW/BULL PLANT DELIVERED BIDS (DRESSED BASIS) – Form LPS-131
Number of Respondents = 19
Frequency of Response = 1 per day for 260 days.
Per Response Burden = .08 hours per electronic submission.
Annual Hour Burden = 395 hours.
Estimated Annual Cost = $10,402
LIVE COW/BULL DAILY PURCHASE REPORT – Form LPS-132
Number of Respondents = 19
Frequency of Response = 1 per day for 260 days.
Per Response Burden = .17 hours per electronic submission.
Annual Hour Burden = 840 hours.
Estimated Annual Cost = $22,104
BOXED BEEF DAILY REPORT – Form LPS-126
Number of Respondents = 43
Frequency of Response = 2 per day for 260 days.
Per Response Burden = .125 hours per electronic submission.
Annual Hour Burden = 2,795 hours.
Estimated Annual Cost = $73,564
SWINE PRIOR DAY REPORT – Form LPS-118
Number of Respondents = 47
Frequency of Response = 1 per day for 260 days.
Per Response Burden = .25 hours per electronic submission.
Annual Hour Burden = 3,055 hours.
Estimated Annual Cost = $80,408
SWINE DAILY REPORT – Form-LPS-119
Number of Respondents = 39
Frequency of Response = 2 per day for 260 days.
Per Response Burden = .17 hours per electronic submission.
Annual Hour Burden = 3,447 hours.
Estimated Annual Cost = $90,741
SWINE NONCARCASS MERIT PREMIUM WEEKLY REPORT – Form LPS-120
Number of Respondents = 28
Frequency of Response = 1 per week for 52 weeks.
Per Response Burden = .25 hour per electronic submission.
Annual Hour Burden = 364 hours.
Estimated Annual Cost = $9,580
WHOLESALE PORK CUTS DAILY REPORT – Form LPS-89
Number of Respondents = 55 (barrow/gilt plants = 42; and sow/boar plants = 13).
Frequency of Response = 2 per day for 260 days for barrow/gilt plants; and
1 per day for 260 days for sow/boar plants.
Per Response Burden = .125 hours per electronic submission.
Annual Hour Burden = 3,153 hours (barrow/gilt = 2,730 hours; and
sow/boar = 423 hours).
Estimated Annual Cost = $82,974
LIVE LAMB DAILY REPORT– Current Established Prices – Form LPS-121
Number of Respondents = 7
Frequency of Response = 1 time per day for 260 days.
Per Response Burden = .34 hours per electronic submission.
Annual Hour Burden = 619 hours.
Estimated Annual Cost = $16,287
LIVE LAMB WEEKLY REPORT – Form LPS-123
Number of Respondents = 7
Frequency of Response = 1 per week for 52 weeks.
Per Response Burden = .25 hours per electronic submission.
Annual Hour Burden = 91 hours.
Estimated Annual Cost = $2,395
LIVE LAMB WEEKLY REPORT – Formula Purchases – Form LPS-124
Number of Respondents = 7
Frequency of Response = 1 per week for 52 weeks.
Per Response Burden = .25 hours per electronic submission.
Annual Hour Burden = 91 hours.
Estimated Annual Cost = $2,395
LAMB PREMIUMS AND DISCOUNTS WEEKLY REPORT – Form LPS-125
Number of Respondents = 7
Frequency of Response = 1 per week for 52 weeks.
Per Response Burden = .08 hours per electronic submission.
Annual Hour Burden = 30 hours.
Estimated Annual Cost = $766
BOXED LAMB REPORT – Form LPS-128
Number of Respondents = 19 (packers = 10; and importers = 9).
Frequency of Response = 1 per day for 260 days for packers; and
1 per week for 52 weeks for importers.
Per Response Burden = .167 hours for packers; and
.084 hours for importers.
Annual Hour Burden = 473 hours (434 hours for packers; and
39 hours for importers*).
Estimated Annual Cost = $12,463
*One importer is also a packer.
LAMB CARCASS REPORT – Form LPS-129
Number of Respondents = 9
Frequency of Response = 1 per day for 260 days.
Per Response Burden = .167 hours.
Annual Hour Burden = 391 hours.
Estimated Annual Cost = $10,285
Methodology Used for Calculating Estimates
To calculate total annual hour burden for collection, the total number of hours required to report either daily or weekly was estimated. This hour figure was multiplied by the number of respondents to obtain the total collection time required each day or week. This figure was multiplied either by 260 (reporting days per year) or 52 (reporting weeks per year), as applicable, to obtain the total yearly burden. The total hour burden per year was multiplied by $26.32 (cost of compensation per hour worked for office and administrative support occupations for the third quarter of 2015 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics) to obtain the estimated total yearly dollar burden. See AMS-71 for details; differences in estimated annual costs associated with each form are attributable to a change in the order of calculation and subsequent differences in numerical rounding.
Total estimated hours for forms = 22,127
Hours for electronic interface = 1,664
Beef/Cattle = 559 (43 plants x 13 hours)
Swine/Pork = 871 (67 plants x 13 hours)
Lamb = 234 (18 plants x 13 hours)
Subtotal cost for burden hours
($26.32 per hour rate used) = $582,392
Subtotal cost interface
($51.88 per hour rate used) = $86,328
TOTAL BURDEN 23,791
TOTAL COST $668,720
Note: $51.88 is the average cost of compensation per hour worked for professional and related occupations for the third quarter of 2015 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The collection of information is accomplished through electronic means using existing electronic information systems; therefore, the cost burden to the industry with regards to purchases of additional technology equipment and services will be negligible. There are no additional recordkeeping requirements as all required records are currently maintained by industry through normal business practices.
13. PROVIDE AN ESTIMATE OF THE TOTAL ANNUAL COST BURDEN TO RESPONDENTS OR RECORDKEEPERS RESULTING FROM THE COLLECTION OF INFORMATION. (DO NOT INCLUDE THE COST OF ANY HOUR BURDEN SHOWN IN ITEMS 12 AND 14).
Capitol and Start-up Costs
There are no capital/start-up or ongoing costs to the respondents associated with this information collection.
Total Operation and Maintenance Costs
Storage and maintenance of electronic files
Cattle and Beef (43) $ 80,281
Swine and Pork (67) $ 125,089
Lamb (18) $ 33,606
TOTAL $ 238,976
Based on the following:
Labor = 70 hours per year x $26.32 = $1,842
Electronic storage cost* $ 25
TOTAL $1,867
*includes cost of data storage and licensing (includes Verisign annual cost).
14. PROVIDE ESTIMATES OF ANNUALIZED COST TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. ALSO, PROVIDE A DESCRIPTION OF THE METHOD USED TO ESTIMATE COST, WHICH SHOULD INCLUDE QUANTIFICATION OF HOURS, OPERATION EXPENSES (SUCH AS EQUIPMENT, OVERHEAD, PRINTING, AND SUPPORT STAFF), AND ANY OTHER EXPENSE THAT WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN INCURRED WITHOUT THIS COLLECTION OF INFORMATION. AGENCIES ALSO MAY AGGREGATE COST ESTIMATES FROM ITEMS 12, 13, AND 14 IN A SINGLE TABLE.
Based on historical expenditures, AMS estimates the cost of maintaining a mandatory program of livestock reporting to be $5.1 million per year, as itemized below, which is a decrease of $0.6 million due to budget cuts:
Salaries and Benefits = $ 3,510,000
(average salary for GS-6 clerks to GS-15 Director)
Travel Expenses = $ 130,000
Space rental = $ 300,000
Printing = $ 10,000
Contractual services = $ 1,110,000
Computer hardware/software = $ 90,000
Total = $ 5,150,000 per year
15. EXPLAIN THE REASON FOR ANY PROGRAM CHANGES OR ADJUSTMENTS REPORTED IN ITEMS 13 OR 14 OF THE OMB FORM 83-I.
Since the last submission, there is a decrease of -294 respondents, a decrease of -1,248 responses, and an overall decrease of -264 in burden hours. (This figure has been rounded due to ROCIS rounding.)
A proposed rule was published on February 29, 2016 (Federal Register, Vol. 81, No. 39, 10132-10138), included a new lamb reporting form Lamb Pelts Weekly Report, LPS-133, and an amendment to a lamb reporting form Live Lamb Weekly Report, LPS-123, and for which AMS received public comments. Due to public comments, AMS will not be including the new form, LPS-133, or the amendment to the currently approved form, LPS-123, at this time. These comments and changes to the proposed rule will be addressed in the final rule when published, and a Justification for Change will be submitted to OMB at that time, if required.
The Question 15 worksheet (Q No 15 --Change In Burden Worksheet 6-2-16) showing changes made to forms since the last submission is attached.
16. FOR COLLECTIONS OF INFORMATION WHOSE RESULTS WILL BE PUBLISHED, OUTLINE PLANS FOR TABULATION, AND PUBLICATION. ADDRESS ANY COMPLEX ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES THAT WILL BE USED. PROVIDE THE TIME SCHEDULE FOR THE ENTIRE PROJECT, INCLUDING BEGINNING AND ENDING DATES OF THE COLLECTION OF INFORMATION, COMPLETION OF REPORT, PUBLICATION DATES, AND OTHER ACTIONS.
The mandatory information collection augments existing AMS Livestock, Poultry, and Grain Market News Division (LPGMN) publications and market reports. The collected information is gathered into an electronic database where it is processed and aggregated for publication. This process occurs daily and weekly as required, and once prepared, the market reports are published through an electronic communication system and posted on the AMS website.
17. IF SEEKING APPROVAL TO NOT DISPLAY THE EXPIRATION DATE FOR OMB APPROVAL OF THE INFORMATION COLLECTION, EXPLAIN THE REASONS THAT DISPLAY WOULD BE INAPPROPRIATE.
Since the forms are electronic, there is no need to have an expiration date.
18. EXPLAIN EACH EXCEPTION TO THE CERTIFICATION STATEMENT IDENTIFIED IN ITEM 19, "CERTIFICATION FOR PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT SUBMISSIONS," OF OMB FORM 83-I.
AMS does not request an exception to the certification of this information collection.
B. COLLECTIONS OF INFORMATION EMPLOYING STATISTICAL METHODS
This information collection does not employ statistical methods.
| File Type | application/msword |
| File Title | SUPPORTING STATEMENT |
| Author | msheats |
| Last Modified By | Pish, Marylin - AMS |
| File Modified | 2016-06-03 |
| File Created | 2016-06-03 |