Supplemental Supporting Statement Part B for Objective Yield Substantive Changes

Supporting Statement

FIELD CROPS OBJECTIVE YIELD SURVEYS

OMB No. 0535-0088

Substantive Change Request

This substantive change is being submitted as a supplemental supporting statement to the Field Crops Objective Yield program.

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 are no changes to the overall universe or sampling activities associated with the surveys included in this docket, other than the removal of the target population and sampling for these surveys:

• Eliminating Potato Objective Yield

• Removing Louisiana and North Carolina from Cotton Objective Yield

• Eliminating the August survey period for Cotton (except Texas), Corn, and Soybeans

• Reducing sample sizes for all crops

All other activities that were previously approved remain in effect.

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

For the remaining surveys in this docket 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.

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

No tests of procedures or methods are planned.

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.

Survey design and methodology are determined by the Summary, Estimation, and Disclosure Methodology Branch of the Methodology Division; Branch Chief is Jeff Bailey (202) 690-8141.

The sample size for each State is determined by the Sampling, Editing, and Imputation Methodology Branch of the Methodology Division; Branch Chief is Mark Apodaca (202) 690-8141.

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

Coordination of data collection, training, and quality control is the responsibility of the Survey Administration Branch; Branch Chief is Gerald Tillman, (202) 720-3895.

February 2020

3