Windsor and Joyce in war of words

The election battle between Barnaby Joyce and Tony Windsor in New England could be heading to the courts.

Mr Windsor has demanded the Nationals leader apologise over statements he made about the sale to a coal company of part of the Windsor family farm near Werris Creek.

Mr Joyce described the move as very unfortunate, telling ABC radio on Thursday: "I don't believe in sort of litigious type arrangements, but nevertheless that's where it's ended up".