This is a non-substantive change request. NASS is wanting to add four questions to the December Agriculture Survey to break out sunflowers harvested and to be harvested into separate questions at the request of the sunflower industry. There is no changes in sample size or respondent burden as a result of this change.
Due to the COVID-19 virus, several changes have taken place for the 2020 calendar year. The June Area Survey will be suspended for this year and will be conducted again in 2021 and 2022. This survey relies on face to face interviews with farmers and ranchers. Instead the data from the 2019 survey will be used to adjust for list incompleteness in 2020. Several of the surveys will have adjusted sample sizes due to this change in 2020. In Jan. 2021 some additional predator loss questions will be added to the Cattle Report and the Sheep/Goat Report due to a cooperative agreement with APHIS and several State governments.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.