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Colin Bettles

Canberra Bureau Chief

Has been the Canberra Bureau Chief for Fairfax Agricultural Media since 2010 - survived the hung parliament - former media manager at Western Australian Cricket Association now covering national agricultural and rural issues in federal politics.

Latest Stories

Thanks for the memories farmers one and all

Thanks for the memories farmers one and all

AFTER 12 years with Rural Press/Fairfax Agricultural Media, including seven and a half years in the federal Parliamentary Press Gallery, it’s time to sign-off.

Test 7 months, 1 week

Labor playing with farmers’ lives by banning live sheep trade

Labor playing with farmers’ lives by banning live sheep trade

LABOR has been broadly slammed for a “reckless” decision to backflip on policy and support banning live sheep exports.

Test 7 months, 1 week

China greatest opportunity in Australian wine’s 180 year history

China greatest opportunity in Australian wine’s 180 year history

TWO of the nation’s leading wine-makers have cautioned Australian wine consumers about an upward spike in domestic prices due to expanded Chinese demand.

Test 7 months, 1 week

Investigation into piggery break-in biosecurity breaches ongoing

Investigation into piggery break-in biosecurity breaches ongoing

ANIMAL rights activists that broke into a Queensland piggery last month may still be facing charges for breaching biosecurity protocols.

Test 7 months, 1 week

6000 farmers can’t be wrong on how to end climate war politics

6000 farmers can’t be wrong on how to end climate war politics

National Soils Advocate Major General Michael Jeffery says more than 6000 farmers have so far agreed with his theory on how to call a truce on the so called decade-long ‘climate wars’.

Test 7 months, 1 week

Cash warns of “devastating” consequences of live export ban

Cash warns of “devastating” consequences of live export ban

FEDERAL Jobs and Innovation Minister Michaelia Cash has offered a stern reminder and warning about the “devastating” consequences of banning live exports.

Test 7 months, 1 week

Trans-Tasman forestry fact finding mission yields farm potential

Trans-Tasman forestry fact finding mission yields farm potential

THE National Farmers Federation has returned from a farm forestry fact finding mission to NZ with a positive view about the neighbouring country’s industry .

Test 7 months, 1 week

Farmers tell Canberra Aus live exports regarded as global leader

Farmers tell Canberra Aus live exports regarded as global leader

iona Simson has written to all federal parliamentarians urging them to remember Australia’s livestock export industry is recognised as a global leader.

Test 7 months, 1 week

Dairy farmers ambivalent to watch-dog’s report on market failure

Dairy farmers ambivalent to watch-dog’s report on market failure

DAIRY leaders have expressed mixed reaction to the findings and recommendations of an extensive independent examination of competition flaws impacting their sector.

Test 7 months, 1 week

Littleproud inoculates Labor’s “false” biosecurity blame game

Littleproud inoculates Labor’s “false” biosecurity blame game

David Littleproud has rejected “absolutely false” claims made by Labor about farm biosecurity.

Test 7 months, 1 week