13 JUNE 2025

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Today's top story

Productivity and profitability for olive growers in a land of weather extremes

Image: Unsplashed.

By Laura Thomas

While farmers in Australia’s southern states continue to battle through lingering drought, others further north are mopping up after devastating floods.

Australia truly is a land of weather extremes, with the agriculture industry on the frontline at the mercy of Mother Nature.

Like any crop, olives are vulnerable to the effects of weather.

Understanding the impact of weather and climate on olive production can help reduce the impact and maximise profitability. Read more .

Australia

Productivity takes priority with $220 million in R&D investment

As part of its $760 million R&D portfolio, Hort Innovation has invested more than $220 million in productivity boosting projects, from automation, AI and on-farm management to data collection, and business analysis - all to support Australian growers.

Part of the productivity push involves new technology that has the potential for one grower to operate multiple tractors at once, slashing the labour input costs.

Outrage at $398 fine for carting hay across a road on a tractor

Image: Condah farmer Graham Thomson was fined $398 for carting two bales on his tractor across a road. Sheep Central.

A Victorian farmer fined almost $400 for carrying two bales of hay on his tractor forks across a road to feed sheep at the weekend will contest the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator action.

Condah farmer and hay contractor Graham Thomson said the NHVR fine of $398 was “very heavy handed” and it meant farmers across the state have been acting illegally by transporting hay on tractors across roads to livestock during the drought.

Ouch! This story has ruffled quite a feathers this week and rightly so. A heads-up for anyone using tractors and ag vehicles beyond the front gate ...

National blueprint to standardise soil health across Australian agriculture

A $10 million project is set to transform how Australian agriculture understands and addresses soil health – creating a standardised, cross-sector approach.

The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) will invest $6.8 million in a five-year initiative, which will see Australia’s national science agency CSIRO lead the development of a Soil Health Framework tailored to Australian production systems.

What's the agricultural sector's "silent" insurance risk?

According to agriculture sector insurers, most of their claims don’t come from droughts, floods or damage to farm machinery.

“The things behind most of our claims are really innocuous,” said James Hooper. “Cars hitting kangaroos, certainly that's our number one.”

This loss driver probably doesn’t surprise brokers in the sector. He said other significant or growing insurance claims risks to farming businesses are the ones that keep ag insurance underwriters – and likely brokers - awake at night.

Feral deer plough through $100,000 worth of vegetables at Flowerdale farm

Feral deer that stripped a neighbouring forest bare have now eaten almost an entire crop of cabbages and other vegetables on a farm north of Melbourne.

According to Victorian government figures, there are more than 1 million feral deer in the state.

Growers are calling for more support from the Victorian government to manage deer.

AOA Classifieds

Got something to sell? Want to buy?

If you’ve got something industry-related to sell, you can reach your target market directly with our grower-to-grower service - AOA Classifieds.

Our online classifieds are an easy and inexpensive solution to advertising your unwanted equipment. And if there’s something you’re looking for, it’s the ideal way to get the message out loud and clear to your peers and industry associates!

Classifieds start from as little as $44 for AOA members ($110 for non-members) and are online now at www.australianolives.com.au/classifieds

For details, rates, or to create a classified, hit the button below.

AOA Classifieds

University of New England farm transfer survey

The UNE FarmTransfer Survey is the first national survey of farm business succession to be made in 20 years with the aim of improving one of the most challenging aspects of agriculture.

The team of researchers behind FarmTransfer survey would like 700 respondents to put data behind anecdotes on why some families successfully negotiate succession, and some do not.

Weekend rain bolsters prospects for Victoria and SA crops

Weekend rain over most South Australian and Victorian cropping regions has boosted prospects for an at least average winter crop, with some farms receiving their biggest single rain event in two years.

Drought pushes farmers' mental health to the brink across southern Australia

Ongoing drought conditions have taken a significant mental toll on farmers across southern Australia.

Mental health services are reporting increased demand as more farmers reach out for help.

Advocates are calling for more funding for services, while urging people needing support to visit their GPs.

International

The 3 countries that supply the most olive oil in the world

Olive oil is having a moment in the U.S. Access to good olive oil brands in grocery stores has skyrocketed.

According to Olive Oil Times, Americans are now the world's second-largest consumers of the oil, taking silver from Spain.

An ambitious goal to sell 4 million tons of olive oil by 2040

Spain’s agriculture minister has set a global target of reaching four million tons in annual olive oil sales by 2040, but some experts see this as overly optimistic.

Keeping it real: The hidden battle against fake food

From Mediterranean olive oil to Scandinavian fish, researchers are integrating digital technologies into Europe's key food industries to crack down on counterfeit products.

The rolling hills of Umbria present an idyllic view of some of Italy's finest and oldest olive groves. Now these ancient orchards are helping to combat food fraud, a problem that is costing the EU between €8 and €12 billion every year.

US tariff turmoil makes Spain's flagship foods seek other markets

It's lunchtime in a bar in the southern Spanish city of Seville. The kitchen is humming with activity, and behind the bar a member of staff pours cold beer from a tap into a glass.

Spanish exporters are facing the prospect of raising retail prices for US customers and losing their competitive edge, or finding new markets for iconic premium products such as olive oil.

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And please remember this is YOUR e-newsletter and we’re keen to receive your news and help spread the word. Just email Laura at comms@australianolives.com.au - it’s free and the best way to reach your fellow industry members!

New algorithm uses satellite images to distinguish olive grove types without field visits

A study by the universities of Cordoba and Seville develops a method that makes it possible to verify, easily and quickly, whether an olive plantation is traditional, intensive, or super-intensive.

Study shows mineral clay applications boost olive oil production

A study in Greece assessed the use of mineral clays to mitigate the effects of climate change on olive cultivation, finding that the application of talc, kaolin, and attapulgite increased oil yield and quality under different conditions.

The researchers suggest further research to tailor the technique to local conditions and cultivars, as well as government support to help the olive industry adapt to climate change.

What happens to your blood pressure when you have a spoonful of olive oil daily?

Olive oil is among the most flavourful and healthiest oils used in many cuisines. It is popularly used in the Mediterranean diet —known to be the healthiest eating style and helps keep you fit.

Olive oil is praised for its heart, brain, and anti-inflammatory benefits. According to experts, consuming a spoonful of olive oil daily may benefit blood pressure as well.