FR 2024-31249

The document from the Department of Agriculture, identified by document number 2024-31249, announces a submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval of an information collection concerning the estimation of daily livestock slaughter under federal inspection. This submission is part of the agency's responsibilities under the Paperwork Reduction Act. The information collected aims to provide valuable insights for stakeholders in the U.S. agricultural industry, primarily benefiting buyers and sellers who can make informed marketing decisions based on timely and accurate data.

General Summary

The submission to the OMB focuses on collecting data essential for compiling and disseminating market reports, which offer current, unbiased information to those involved in the trade of agricultural products like livestock, poultry, and meat. The Agricultural Marketing Service is seeking feedback by January 29, 2025, to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected and to minimize the burden on respondents. The targeted participants include businesses, individuals, households, and farms that routinely engage with livestock marketing processes.

Significant Issues and Concerns

There are several notable issues present in the document. Firstly, the metadata lacks an abstract, which would typically summarize the notice's main goal in a succinct manner. Without it, readers may find it harder to grasp the immediate context. Additionally, the document does not specify the 'action' field in its metadata, which might leave readers unclear about the precise activity proposed or required by this notice.

The explanation of the methodology and assumptions used in the data collection process could benefit from further clarification. A more straightforward breakdown might be helpful for readers who are less technically informed. Moreover, the description of the respondents is somewhat vague, grouping varied parties, such as businesses and individuals, without specifying their distinct roles or obligations.

Lastly, the document does not address the consequences of comments submitted past the January 29, 2025 deadline. This omission could lead to misunderstandings about the effect or acceptability of late submissions.

Impact on the Public Broadly

For the general public, particularly those with interests tied to agriculture and livestock markets, this document outlines an opportunity to voice their thoughts on how such data is gathered and utilized. By providing feedback, they can potentially influence the efficiency and effectiveness of data collection, thereby ensuring it reflects current market needs more accurately.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

Positive Impact: Businesses, farms, and individual stakeholders within the agricultural sector stand to gain significant benefits from the collection of this data. Access to real-time, objective market information may improve their bargaining power and decision-making processes. Furthermore, since the government purchases substantial quantities of meat, having a reliable system to monitor and report data could lead to more informed procurement strategies.

Negative Impact: The stakeholders required to provide this information might perceive the data collection as burdensome, especially if it demands frequent updates. Moreover, any lack of clarity about data collection methodologies or respondent roles could contribute to confusion or inefficiencies in providing the requested information.

Overall, this document aims to refine the existing systems of data collection to better meet the expectations and needs of the agricultural industry, potentially leading to more effective marketing strategies and better informed economic decisions. However, addressing the noted issues could further streamline compliance and enhance the utility of the collected data.