0213-ags-2019 - SSB Supplemental Supporting Statement for Substantive Change to Sheep

Supporting Statement – Part B

AGRICULTURAL SURVEYS PROGRAM

OMB No. 0535-0213

This substantive change is being submitted as a supplemental supporting statement to the January Sheep Survey.

B. COLLECTION OF INFORMATION EMPLOYING STATISTICAL METHODS

1. Describe (including a numerical estimate) the potential respondent universe and any sampling or other respondent selection method to be used. Data on the number of entities (e.g., establishments, State and local government units, households, or persons) in the universe covered by the collection and in the corresponding sample are to be provided in tabular form for the universe as a whole and for each of the strata in the proposed sample. Indicate expected response rates for the collection as a whole. If the collection has been conducted previously, include the actual response rate achieved during the last collection.

There will be no changes to the sampling or universe covered by this revised survey. Training will be provided to the NASDA enumerators so that they can respond to any questions or concerns the respondents may have relating to these additional questions. Response rates are expected to be consistent with the original approval.

2. Describe the procedures for the collection of information including:

• statistical methodology for stratification and sample selection,

• estimation procedure,

• degree of accuracy needed for the purpose described in the justification,

• unusual problems requiring specialized sampling procedures

There are no changes to the procedures used for data collection from the original approval.

3. Describe methods to maximize response rates and to deal with issues of non-response. The accuracy and reliability of information collected must be shown to be adequate for intended uses. For collections based on sampling a special justification must be provided for any collection that will not yield "reliable" data that can be generalized to the universe studied.

There are no changes to the modes used for data collection from the original approval. Enumerators will be trained to follow the skip patterns in the questionnaires to minimize respondent burden.

4. Describe any tests of procedures or methods to be undertaken.

No tests were performed on the additional questions added through this substantive change.

5. Provide the name and telephone number of individuals consulted on statistical aspects of the design and the name of the agency unit, contractor(s), or other person(s) who will actually collect and/or analyze the information for the agency.

Specifications and survey design were developed by Summary, Estimation, and Disclosure Methodology Branch, Methodology Division; Branch Chief is Jeff Bailey (202)720-4008.

The sampling plan was developed by the Sampling and Frame Development Section of the Sampling, Editing, and Imputation Methodology Branch, Methodology Division; Section Head is Peter Quan, (202)720-5269.

Data collection is carried out by NASS Regional and Field Offices; the Eastern Field Operation’s Director is Jay Johnson (202) 720-3638, and the Western Field Operations Director is Kevin Barnes (202) 720-8220.

The NASS survey administrators in Headquarters for the Agricultural Surveys are in the Commodity Surveys Section of the Survey Administration Branch, Census and Survey Division; Branch Chief is Gerald Tillman, (202) 720-3895. The survey administrators are responsible for coordination of sampling, questionnaires, data collection, training, Interviewer’s Manuals, Survey Administration Manuals, data processing, and other Regional Office support.

The NASS commodity statisticians in Headquarters for the Agricultural Surveys are in the Crops Branch and Livestock Branch of Statistics Division; Branch Chiefs are Lance Honig (crops) (202)720-2127, and Travis Averill (livestock) (202)720-3570. Commodity statisticians are responsible for the Estimation Manuals, national and regional summaries, analysis, presentation to the Agricultural Statistics Board for final estimates, and publication.

August 2019

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