SuptStmt 08.26.16 (2)

13

2016 SUPPORTING STATEMENT

LIVESTOCK, POULTRY, AND GRAIN MARKET NEWS DIVISION

OMB NO. 0581-0033

1. JUSTIFICATION

1. EXPLAIN THE CIRCUMSTANCES THAT MAKE THE COLLECTION OF INFORMATION NECESSARY. IDENTIFY ANY LEGAL OR ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS THAT NECESSITATE THE COLLECTION.

The Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621-1627) (AMA), as amended, authorizes the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) "to collect and disseminate 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 bringing about a balance between production, and utilization of agricultural products." The collection of information in this request is based on the AMA, title II, subtitle A, § 203, principally, paragraphs (b), (g), and (k) that direct the Secretary of Agriculture to determine agricultural marketing costs and develop efficient marketing methods to reduce the price spread between producer and consumer; to collect and disseminate marketing information to bring about a balance between production and utilization of agricultural products; and to collect, tabulate and disseminate agricultural marketing statistics.

Under this authority the Livestock, Poultry, and Grain Market News (LPGMN) Division works to provide up-to-the-minute nationwide coverage of prices, supply, demands, trends, movement, and other pertinent information affecting the trade of livestock, poultry, meat, eggs, grain, and their related products, as well as locally produced and marketed products. The information requested is used to compile and disseminate market reports that provide current, unbiased, and factual information to all stakeholders in the U.S. agricultural industry. Market News reports assist producers, processors, wholesalers, retailers, and others to make informed decisions concerning production, purchasing, and sales.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. Chapter 35 (1995 Act), AMS requests approval for an extension of and revision to the currently approved information collection in order to describe the reporting and recordkeeping burden associated with the 1995 Act.

2. 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.

Market News reports of the AMS Livestock, Poultry, and Seed Program’s (LPS) Livestock, Poultry, and Grain Market News (LPGMN) Division provide industry stakeholders and the general public with comprehensive and unbiased livestock, poultry, meat, eggs, wool, and grain market data which help equalize the competitive position of all market participants. The issuance of timely information about market trends ensures efficient marketing and distribution of the nation’s food supply to the benefit of producers and consumers alike. All LPGMN reports are available free to the public on the Internet at https://www.ams.usda.gov/market-news/livestock-poultry-grain. These LPGMN reports receive approximately 4.5 million page views each year with an estimated 1.3 million custom reports generated by the public. Additionally, reports are sent via e-mail to subscribers who specifically request this information.

LPGMN reporters communicate with buyers and sellers of livestock, poultry, meat, wool, grain, and egg commodities on a daily basis through the use of telephone conversations, face-to-face meetings, facsimile transmissions, and electronic mail messages in order to collect the data.

LPGMN reports are used primarily by the livestock, poultry, wool, grain, hay, and egg industries to determine future production and marketing projections. Federal agencies involved in food purchase programs and institutional buying rely on LPGMN reports as a source of supply and price data, to make policy decisions, settle trade discrepancies, and perform a variety of other functions. Other agencies including the Foreign Agricultural Service, Economic Research Service, and the National Agricultural Statistics Service use Market News reports to track prices, wages, and agricultural productivity, and to serve as indicators of economic growth. LPGMN reports are often used in value determination settlements, contracting, and to resolve international trade disputes. Economists, investors, and agricultural analysts use Market News reports to make financial decisions based on available supplies and current pricing. LPGMN reports are also widely used by the private sector including producers, farmers, processors, distributors, retailers, restaurants, consultants, brokers, forecasters, and transportation, financial, and educational institutions. Also, during the aftermath of catastrophic events, LPGMN reports are a critical resource of information for government policymakers as a source of shared information with producers, shippers, transportation companies, and others.

The following form, LPS-90 Monthly Dried Egg Solids Stocks Report, is used in the collection of inventory information from commercial dried egg product plants in the U.S.  Data from this form is input into a database creating a universal vehicle to keep market trend information proprietary, but publically available.

Since the last submission, the AMS Livestock and Seed Program merged with the Poultry Program (PY), and consequently changed its name to Livestock, Poultry, and Seed Program (LPS). Therefore, the form number in this collection package is changing from PY-XXX to LPS-XXX to reflect the new program acronym LPS (Livestock, Poultry, and Seed Program).

Monthly Dried Egg Solids Stocks Report (LPS-90): Data is collected by LPGMN reporters from commercial dried egg products plants throughout the U.S. The information is then assembled, summarized, and disseminated monthly to interested parties by email subscription and internet posting. The monthly release includes total pounds of egg products, by class, in cooperating firms’ possession at the close of the inventory month, and a percentage change from the previous month and previous year. The report provides information on stocks of dried egg solids on hand which may have a substantial bearing on prices and output of both processed and shell eggs, since dried egg solids may be stored for relatively long periods of time. The information collected using form LPS-90 assures that marketing channels are filled, but not overflowing, preventing unnecessary overages and/or shortfalls. The release of the summarized information is used by industry as an aid in making these knowledgeable marketing decisions.

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.

Information for LPGMN reports is collected in-person and face-to-face meetings, and via e-mail, telephone, and fax. Data is collected through interviews or free-form industry data sheets, allowing industry to provide information using records kept in normal business practice. Currently, all respondents for form LPS-90 supply information via e-mail, easing the burden of providing information to Market News.

Additionally, LPGMN provides free public access to market reports on the Internet at http://www.ams.usda.gov/market-news/livestock-poultry-grain. LPGMN offers a free subscription service to LPGMN reports through Cornell University allowing registered users to receive specific reports via e-mail at no charge. E-mail subscription service is also provided for LPGMN reports in Adobe PDF format upon request.

LPGMN is currently working with other Market News Divisions to create the Market Analysis and Reporting Services (MARS), a standardized information management system which will assist Market News reporters to collect and distribute information from remote locations by combining all reporting functions into a single, user-managed platform. MARS will facilitate the flow of data from the data provider to agency analysts and to the public, allow users to create unique content, increase data collection efficiency by decreasing the time needed to collect, generate and release reports as well as decrease the burden to data providers. Although MARS is currently live for LPGMN reporters to use at a few livestock auctions, this system will continue to be developed over several years.

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.

LPGMN maintains regular contact with members of the livestock, poultry, meat, swine, sheep, eggs, wool, and grain industries that provide the market information used in reports. Stakeholders and industry trade association officials are contacted regularly in an attempt to avoid a duplication of requests for information. As previously stated, LPGMN provides comprehensive, unbiased market information which directly affects their business and marketing decisions. Similar information is not available that can be used or modified.

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 Small Business Administration defines, in 13 CFR part 121, small agricultural producers as those having annual receipts of no more than $750,000 and small agricultural service firms as those having annual receipts of no more than $7,000,000. Under these definitions, all of the companies that would be affected are considered small businesses. We have estimated the number of respondents for this collection is 2,983 and we estimate that 99% are considered small businesses. However, no difference in burden exists between small and large businesses. The information collected is the same regardless of business size. Although the information collection involves both small and large entities, we consider the information collected to be a minimal burden upon respondents and can be supplied without data processing equipment or outside technical expertise. Collection of the information requested by LPGMN is voluntary and does not present any additional effort on the part of small businesses or other small entities as this information is assembled and maintained by these entities as part of their regular business practice for internal recordkeeping.

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.

Information collected through the LPGMN voluntary market reporting provides an unbiased third party to collect and disseminate market information. Consequences if the collection was not conducted would be that producers would soon be at a disadvantage to buyers without the timely, accurate, and unbiased market knowledge of their commodity. A less frequent collection of data would hinder the timely use of the data making the information obsolete to stakeholders needing to sensibly market their commodities. Market News users are provided with current information on the price, supply, demand, and movement of product. This allows for necessary adjustments in product flow, sales and purchasing decisions. There are no technical or legal obstacles in reducing burden.

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;

This information needs to be collected more frequently than quarterly due to the nature of the Market News report releases which have daily, weekly, and monthly deadlines to be consistent with the production and movement of products, thereby meeting current demand. Quarterly reports would not provide timely information and would not be effective in providing information to the public when needed.

The up-to-the-minute reports collected and disseminated by Market News reporters are intended to provide both buyers and sellers with the information necessary for making intelligent, informed marketing decisions, thus putting marketing stakeholders in equal bargaining positions. LPGMN provides a timely exchange of accurate and unbiased information on current marketing conditions (supply, demand, prices, trends, movement, and other information) affecting trade in livestock, poultry, meat, swine, sheep, eggs, wool, grain, and related products.

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.

AMS does not require respondents to submit information for the LPGMN voluntary market reporting; respondents chose to voluntarily submit information to trained and certified Market News reporters. Information collected by LPGMN is handled responsibly in accordance with AMS policy. Confidentiality was established as paramount in importance concerning individuals’ and firms’ proprietary trade information. 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 May 13, 2016 (Federal Register, Vol. 81, No. 93, 29833-29834). 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 works closely with industry trade organizations whose membership include producers, processers, and interested members of the trade. These organizations include the National Pork Producers Council, American Sheep Industry Association, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, North American Meat Institute, United Egg Producers, National Turkey Federation, National Chicken Council, and the U.S. Poultry and Egg Export Council, among others. AMS and industry members regularly discuss possible changes to voluntary Market News reporting that could improve efficiency, optimize processes, enhance AMS reports, and minimize reporting burdens. By attending the regular meetings of these organizations, Market News is able to receive industry feedback concerning market reports.

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.

Information collected by LPGMN is handled responsibly in accordance with AMS policy which established confidentiality as paramount in importance in LPGMN reporting concerning individuals’ and firms’ proprietary trade information. Respondents are assured of this responsibility by LPGMN and possible disclosures of information are investigated. Jeopardizing confidentiality would taint the reputation of LPGMN thereby hampering the ability for LPGMN to collect information and provide the Market News service.

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.

This renewal submission reflects a total of 2,983 respondents for 16,038 (rounded) burden hours. Minor differences in estimated annual costs associated with each form and burden reason are attributable to a change in the order of calculation and subsequent differences in numerical rounding.

1. MONTHLY DRIED EGG SOLIDS STOCKS REPORT– Form LPS-90

Number of Respondents = 7

Frequency of Response = 1 per month for 12 months.

Per Response Burden = .0830 hours per submission.

Annual Hour Burden = 6.97 hours.

Estimated Annual Cost = $187

2. POULTRY REPORTS

Number of Respondents = 480

Frequency of Response = 98 per respondent per year.

Per Response Burden = .0830 hours per submission.

Annual Hour Burden = 3904 hours.

Estimated Annual Cost = $104,724

(3) LIVESTOCK & MEAT REPORTS

Number of Respondents = 811

Frequency of Response = 104 per respondent per year.

Per Response Burden = .0833 hours per submission.

Annual Hour Burden = 7026 hours.

Estimated Annual Cost = $188,451

(4) GRAIN REPORTS

Number of Respondents = 936

Frequency of Response = 95 per respondent per year.

Per Response Burden = .0333 hours per submission.

Annual Hour Burden = 2961 hours.

Estimated Annual Cost = $79,422

(5) HAY REPORTS

Number of Respondents = 651

Frequency of Response = 79 per respondent per year.

Per Response Burden = .0333 hours per submission.

Annual Hour Burden = 1713 hours.

Estimated Annual Cost = $45,936

(6) LOCAL AND REGIONAL MARKET REPORTS

Number of Respondents = 105

Frequency of Response = 49 per respondent per year.

Per Response Burden = .0830 hours per submission.

Annual Hour Burden = 427 hours.

Estimated Annual Cost = $11,454

Methodology Used for Calculating Estimates

To calculate total annual hour burden for this collection, the total number of respondents reporting daily, weekly, or monthly was estimated and multiplied by the number of times a respondent was contacted per day (156 reporting days per year), week (52 reporting weeks per year), or month (12 reporting months per year), as applicable. (Although there is a range of daily reporting burden dependent upon individual respondents, it does not vary widely; therefore, “daily” was calculated as respondents reporting on an average of 3 days per week, thereby totaling 156 days per year rather than 260 days per year as calculated with 5 days per week.) The figure was then divided by the overall total number of respondents to obtain a total yearly burden.

It is estimated that approximately 75 percent of respondents are in sales and 25 percent are in administrative support. Based upon the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2015 second quarter data, the average cost of compensation per hour worked wage is $29.94 for staff under buyers and purchasing agents, farm products, and $17.47 for staff under office and administrative support occupations. See AMS-71 for details; differences in estimated annual costs associated with each form and burden reason are attributable to a change in the order of calculation and subsequent differences in numerical rounding.

SUMMARY:

Total estimated burden hours = 16,038 hours

Respondents sales (75%) = 12,028 hours

Respondents administrative support (25%) = 4,010 hours

Subtotal cost for burden costs:

Respondents - sales: 12,028 hours @ $29.94 = $ 360,118

Respondents - administrative support:

4,010 hours @ $17.47 = $ 70,054

TOTAL BURDEN = 16038 hours

TOTAL COST = $ 430,172

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).

There are no capital/start-up or ongoing costs to the respondents associated with this information collection.

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 voluntary livestock and related markets reporting program to be $8.085 million per year, as itemized below. This is an increase of $4.35 million due to previous cost estimates for this collection being erroneously based on a calculation using an average salary and benefits for a GS-11 reporter; which failed to accurately capture salary and benefits costs to LPGMN which covers GS-5 and GS-6 clerks; GS-9 administrative officers; GS-7, GS-9, and GS-11 reporters; GS-12 supervisors; GS-13 specialists; GS-14 managers; and a GS-15 director.

Salaries and Benefits = $ 7,576,000

(average salary for GS-5 clerks to GS-15 Director)

Travel Expenses = $ 225,000

Space rental = $ 112,000

Printing = $ 2,000

Computer hardware/software = $ 170,000

Total = $ 8,085,000 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 an increase of +322 respondents, an increase of +7,803 responses, and an overall increase of +1,290 in burden hours, including an increase of +427 in burden hours for a program change to incorporate local and regional market reporting which supports the Agricultural Act of 2014. (This figure has been rounded due to ROCIS rounding.)

The Question 15 worksheet showing changes made to the form and reasons of burden since the last submission is included directly below.

REGS	REASON	PREVIOUS BURDEN	NEW BURDEN	DIFFERENCE	TYPE OF CHANGE
7 U.S.C. 1621-1627	Monthly Dried Egg Solids Stocks Report -- LPS-90, Decrease in respondents	7.97	6.97	-1.00	ADJ
7 U.S.C. 1621-1622	Poultry reports [previous “Regular contact with industry for price and supply data (includes phone calls)”], Increase in respondents, but a decrease in number of responses per respondent	4,181.13	3,904.32	-276.81	ADJ
7 U.S.C. 1621-1627	Livestock and meat reports [previous “Livestock and meat Market News reports”], Increase in respondents	5,457.82	7,025.86	1,568.04	ADJ
7 U.S.C. 1621-1627	Grain reports, Increase in respondents but a decrease in number of responses per respondent	4,454.74	2,961.04	-1,493.70	ADJ
7 U.S.C. 1621-1627	Hay reports [previous “Phone calls for Alfalfa reports”], Decrease in respondents with an increase in responses per respondent	645.75	1,712.59	1,066.84	ADJ
7 U.S.C. 1621-1627; P.L.113-79 Title X §10016	Local and regional reports, Increase in respondents (NEW)	---	427.04	427.04	ADJ
TOTAL	Increase in respondents	14,747.41	16,037.82	1290.41

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 information collected to produce AMS Livestock, Poultry, and Grain Market News Division (LPGMN) publications and market reports is gathered into an electronic database where it is processed and aggregated for publication. This process occurs daily, weekly, monthly, and annually, 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 form is 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.