23 October 2026

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Today's top story

Bogong moths are playing havoc with BOM weather radars

For the last month, the weather radars across south-eastern Australia have been lighting up with precipitation every night.



The only problem is that on most nights, skies are not cloudy and it certainly has not been raining for a month straight.

Despite all this, the BOM is forecasting significant rain and storms across Australia in the days ahead. Find out more.

Australia

Prepare your tech now and stay connected during a bushfire

By Laura Thomas

In rural communities, it’s well understood that maintaining firebreaks, checking water and servicing firefighting equipment are all standard elements of fire season preparedness.

But have you stopped to consider the importance of technology in the event of a bushfire or natural disaster?

Read more about how you can prepare your tech and stay in touch.

Supercharged fire seasons cost Australia $6b annually as El Niño summer looms

As Australians prepare for a summer influenced by what is likely to become the strongest El Niño on record, a new report reveals billions of dollars are being spent tackling bushfire seasons supercharged by climate change.

Pest teams mobilise after fire ant nest found in Sydney’s Inner West

A colony of invasive fire ants, which have already spread rapidly through parts of southeast Queensland, have been found in a container yard in the heart of Sydney.

Described by the Invasive Species Council as one of the world’s “super pests,” a colony of red fire ants was discovered in a shipyard at the Enfield Intermodal Logistics Center in Strathfield.

Biosecurity is everybody's responsibility - read more on the outbreak, what to look for and how to report a sighting.

Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation promises basic coverage. How does it work?

Amid a busy sitting week in Canberra last week, you would be forgiven for missing a new law that could affect the lives of millions of Australians.

For the first time telecommunications companies will be required to provide a baseline level of mobile coverage across the country.

Read how the National Farmers Federation responded, here.

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.

Small-scale desalination technology could be the answer to water security in remote Australia

With water security in the spotlight during National Water Week, new technology supported by researchers at Murdoch University has the potential to solve water scarcity issues in remote and rural Australia.

CSIRO report identifies investment priorities for low-emissions agriculture



A new report reveals what it will take to turn promising emissions-reduction tools into real change on Australian farms.

Risking Australia’s food security

Farming groups last week emphasised the need to recognise the risks being faced with Australia’s food security.

International

UN issues call to arms to combat off-the-charts El Nino

The El Nino weather phenomenon gripping the planet is heading off the charts, the United Nations warned Wednesday, saying countries should take urgent action to prepare for the worst.



El Nino is set to peak in December, but the human impact of its associated extreme temperatures, floods and droughts is set to last into 2027 and beyond.

Italy faces smaller olive oil harvest amid falling prices, rising stocks

Italy’s olive oil production is forecast to fall to between 270,000 and 290,000 metric tons as summer heat reduces southern yields, while falling prices and large stocks put pressure on growers and millers.

Spanish olive oil producers push for supply controls to stabilize prices

As Spain prepares for a potentially bumper olive harvest, growers are urging the government to withdraw surplus oil from the market to stabilize falling prices, drawing opposition from bottlers and exporters.

Tunisia’s olive oil industry faces disease outbreak ahead of forecast 40% production drop

Tunisia's olive oil industry faces a new threat after authorities detected olive knot disease in parts of the Melloulech production area in the Mahdia governorate.

Al-Jouf olive presses begin olive oil production season

Olive presses in Al-Jouf Region began receiving olive harvests and processing the fruit into oil this October, benefiting from abundant agricultural production from major agricultural projects and small-scale farmers. The season reinforces the region’s position as one of Saudi Arabia’s leading olive and olive oil producers.

Olive oil may be the best-kept secret for shiny hair – here’s how to use it

Chefs have embraced olive oil for years, and these days, stylists are leaning into the benefits of olive oil for hair, too. Extracted from the olive fruit, which comes from the eponymous tree, olive oil contains good-for-your-hair fatty acids, compounds that keep strands soft and hydrated.

Finnish team wins World Olive Picking Championship in Croatia

The World Olive Picking Championship in Croatia ended with a surprise when the top spot went to the team from Finland -- a country without any olive trees.

Calendar 2026

27 & 28 October

Tasmania Field Day and Think Tank Workshop

Cradle Coast Olives, Abbotsham

Register now

4 November

SA Think Tank Workshop with Grove Demos

Peninsula Providore, Tooperang

Register now

TBC

NSW Think Tank Workshop

Email Laura to have your event included.

Send us YOUR news!

Friday Olive Extracts brings the latest industry news and events direct to your inbox each week.

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For Friday Olive Extracts editorial and advertising enquiries, email Laura at comms@australianolives.com.au