Aussie farmers cautiously optimistic for the year ahead

By Laura Thomas

Australian farmers are cautiously optimistic for the year ahead, according to latest industry data.

A ”stable outlook and stronger appetite for investment” is touted for 2026, as revealed in Rabobank’s latest rural confidence survey.

The survey revealed that while national rural confidence is down slightly on the previous quarter, 75% of farmers are looking positively towards the future.

It is no surprise that rising input costs and ongoing drought remain the primary concerns for those living on the land.

Australian Olive Association Chief Executive Officer Michael Southan said the mood among olive growers and the wider sector was similarly positive.

“Growers overcame drought, frost and flood to produce a very high calibre of oils and table olives in 2025,” he said.

“Australian olive products continue to be highly valued and are increasingly sought after by consumers and this of course gives our industry some level of confidence for the season and year ahead.

“Olive growers know they are producing a quality product – they just need to manage the season and other external factors the best they can.”

The Bureau of Meteorology released its preliminary Australian climate summary earlier this week, confirming what many of us already know.

The 2025 year was a warm one – in fact Australia’s fourth-warmest on record, with temperatures well above average.

Mr Southan said climatic and seasonal factors were a continuing worry for olive growers.

“Seasonal variability and rainfall remain two of the biggest challenges for olive growers and of course, the broader farming sector,” he said.

“Coupled with high input costs for things such as fertiliser and fuel, and ongoing economic uncertainty, it’s a lot to juggle.

“But we’re looking to another successful year ahead.”

Sources:
www.rabobank.com.au/knowledge/rural-confidence-survey
www.bom.gov.au/news-and-media/bureau-releases-summary-of-australias-climate-in-2025