Substantive Change SSB October 2023

Supporting Statement

STOCKS REPORTS

OMB No. 0535-0007

This substantive change is being submitted as a supplemental supporting statement to the Stocks Reports docket. This substantive change is to accommodate the addition of the 2024 Off-farm Grain and Oilseeds Operation Profile 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 are no changes to the procedures used for data collection from 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

The Off Farm Grain Stocks (OFGS) Profiles Sampling Frame comprises all operations in the OFGS Sampling Frame.  The OFGS Profiles Sampling Frame will be stratified using OFGS strata definitions; and sub-stratified into categories.  The OFGS Profiles Sampling Frame will be sampled at a rate slightly less than 100%.   

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.

Annually, respondents in the off-farm grain stocks report may be contacted in person to introduce the NASS grain stocks report program and complete an operation profile.  The profile interview verifies that each firm is storing the commodities of interest and data can be reported according to technical specifications, such as domestic and imported stocks, all whole grain, bulk or sacked, stored in facility, and excluding grain stored at another licensed facility not concurrently reported. After the initial interview, questionnaires are generally mailed to the respondent or data collected by telephone or Electronic Data Reporting (EDR) via the internet.

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

Questionnaire wording, content, and formatting was determined by the Standards and Survey Development Methodology Branch and approved by the NASS Off-farm Grain and Oilseeds Program Team.

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 sample sizes are determined by the Sampling and Frame Development Section and reviewed and approved by NASS Survey Teams. The Agency's Sampling, Editing and Imputation Methodology Branch, Methods Division; Branch Chief is Andrew Dau (202) 720-5269.

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

Data collection is carried out by NASS Regional Field Offices. Survey data are collected, reviewed, and summarized by the Regional Field Offices. Eastern Field Operation’s Director is Jody McDaniel, (202) 720-3638 and the Western Field Operation’s Director is Troy Joshua (202) 720-8220.

The NASS survey administrators in Headquarters of the Survey Administration Branch, Census and Survey Division; Branch Chief is Suzanne Avilla, (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.

Estimates are compiled and reviewed by the Agency’s Statistics Division, Crops Branch; Branch Chief is Lance Honig, (202)720-3896.

Publications are released from the Regional Offices and Headquarters.

October 2023

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