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The new year has only just started but Farm Bureau already has a long list of legislative and policy issues to tackle over the next few months. Here's a look at some of the issues:

Livestock regulations – Farm Bureau plans to meet early this year with legislators who have expressed concerns about large livestock operations. There's talk that lawmakers may introduce legislation aimed at updating Ohio's regulation of large livestock facilities, said Rocky Black, OFBF's director of legislative affairs.

"Over the last three to four years, we've seen an increase in the number of large livestock operations and more friction with community groups opposed to the operations," Black said. "Farm Bureau is working with several legislators to look at areas of the law that may need to be addressed such as funding for roads and infrastructure, air quality and manure management."

Timberland rollback – The two-year state budget passed this summer eliminated the 10 percent property tax rollback for timberland in the CAUV program because timberland was reclassified as commercial. Farm Bureau is working with Republican Rep. Ron Hood to restore the timberland rollback.

"Timberland has traditionally been viewed as part of residential property because most property owners aren't harvesting or selling the timber," Black said.

Line fence law – Over the past year, Farm Bureau has closely reviewed Ohio's 100-year-old line fence law, examined recent court decisions and gotten input from members about the law. OFBF is working with legislators to introduce legislation that would modernize Ohio's law covering boundary disputes involving fences along property lines.

"It's time for legislators to come forward and clarify responsibilities. It's nearly impossible to apply a uniform line fence law across the state," Black said.

Energy policy/bill – Recent legislation offers incentives for increased use of biofuels such as ethanol and soy diesel but more needs to be done, Black said. Farm Bureau is working with several groups on more comprehensive statewide energy legislation.

Workers' compensation reform – Farm Bureau is reviewing proposals to streamline the Bureau of Workers' Compensation claims process and revise the definition of "injury."

Health care reforms – Lawmakers are looking at association health care plans, which would allow trade or professional associations such as Farm Bureau to offer health care plans for their members, Black said.

Issue 1 implementation – In November, voters passed Issue 1, a $2 billion bond initiative to fund infrastructure and high-tech development. Of the funding, $1.35 billion will go to local government infrastructure improvement programs, $150 million for "shovel-ready" industrial development sites and $500 million for high-tech and job creation efforts. Last month, the General Assembly passed legislation implementing part of Issue 1.

"We're still reading through all the language to fully understand what was done," Black said. "But we are confident that worthwhile agriculture-related projects will be funded with these funds."