“Earlier in the season, the industry was anticipating an excellent harvest,” Mr Valmorbida said. “However, persistent cold weather and rainfall during May and June, particularly across south-east Australia, have taken their toll.”

Although the Australian olive harvest is not officially recorded each year, the AOOA estimates that the 2023 season will produce between 18 and 19 million litres of olive oil from roughly 110,000 to 120,000 tonnes of olives.

This compares with last year’s output of 14–15 million litres and the record-breaking 2021 crop, which yielded 20–22 million litres of oil.

Mr Valmorbida explained that these fluctuations reflect the biennial cycle of olive production. “This is what we call an ‘on’ year for olives. While we were expecting an excellent yield earlier in the year, harvest results always depend heavily on weather conditions, and this season has been quite mixed for many growers.”

“The oil yield per tonne is noticeably lower than average due to the cooler growing period,” he added, “but the quality of the oil remains excellent because the fruit had more time to ripen gradually.”

Around the world, olive oil prices have reached record highs in Spain, Italy, and Greece, driven by a severe global shortage of olive oil. Hot temperatures, minimal rainfall during key stages of the growing season, and extended drought conditions across southern Spain have drastically reduced European output. In addition, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has disrupted the production of vegetable and seed oils, increasing global demand for olive oil as an alternative.

In Australia, growers are currently achieving $6–$7 per litre for larger commercial volumes of olive oil, with even higher prices for export batches, premium small-lot oils, and organic extra virgin olive oil.

“With this global shortage, some of the larger Australian producers are in a strong position to export olive oil to Europe and receive competitive returns,” Mr Valmorbida said.

“While that’s encouraging news for the Australian olive oil industry, globally the sector is under pressure,” he continued. “There’s currently a 35–40 percent shortfall in available products, combined with escalating packaging costs, especially for glass and tin materials.”

“These factors, along with rising labour and energy expenses, are leading to higher retail prices for consumers,” he noted.

Mr Valmorbida concluded with a reminder to consumers: “It’s important to remember there’s no product quite like olive oil—its distinctive flavour, health benefits, and culinary versatility make it irreplaceable.”

#oliveharvest2024 #harvest2024

About the Australian Olive Oil Association

The Australian Olive Oil Association (AOOA) is a not-for-profit, independent organisation dedicated to promoting the quality, integrity, and fair trade of olive oil in Australia. Membership is open to olive oil producers, distributors, industry stakeholders, and related organisations.

Since 1993, AOOA has been a signatory to the International Olive Council (IOC) global quality control program. Each year, the Association coordinates independent laboratory testing of leading olive oil brands to ensure compliance with IOC standards.

In addition, the AOOA Certified Quality Seal Program upholds even stricter quality criteria, allowing AOOA-member products to distinguish themselves in both domestic and international markets.

For more information: 

Jan Jacklin, General Manager, Australian Olive Oil Association gm@aooa.com.au www.aooa.com.au

Photo credit:  Julia, olive grove – Kyneton Olives” by avlxyz is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/?ref=openverse

Esterification occurs when free fatty acids (FFA) in olives or olive paste react with natural alcohols—most commonly glycerol—to form esters. While this is a natural chemical reaction found in many biological systems, it usually plays only a small role during standard olive oil extraction. However, under certain processing or fruit-quality conditions, esterification can become more noticeable and can affect how acidity is interpreted during quality assessment.

Understanding when and why esterification occurs is important for mill operators, as it can influence extraction decisions, processing aid use, and the accuracy of acidity readings that determine Extra Virgin classification.

How It Comes About

Valuing your olive oil processing machinery – from presses and decanters to tractors and harvesters – is an important task for Australian producers. Whether you’re a small boutique grove or a commercial olive operation, knowing what your equipment is worth helps with insurance, resale, and financial planning. This guide explains how to value used olive oil processing machinery (with notes on new equipment costs), covers multiple valuation methods, and offers a practical Australian context. We’ll also include example scenarios (like a decade-old olive press vs. a nearly new separator) and provide tips to maintain your gear’s value over time.  

Equipment in an Olive Oil Operation 

Olive oil production involves specialised machinery at harvest and processing time. Key processing equipment includes olive crushers or mills (to crush olives into paste), malaxers (which slowly mix the paste), and centrifugal decanters/separators (which separate oil from water and solids). Supporting items like pumps, olive washers, and filtration units are also part of the system. Many Australian groves also use standard farm equipment such as tractors, mechanical harvesters, pruning and spraying equipment, and irrigation systems. When assessing value, focus first on the core olive oil machinery, but remember that methods discussed here apply to your tractors, harvesters, and other farm gear as well.  

Modern olive processing machinery is a significant investment. For reference, a small continuous-flow olive mill (e.g. 30 kg/hour throughput) might cost around A$20,000 new, while a large commercial plant (capable of ~1 tonne/hour) can run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Such figures underscore why proper valuation is essential – these assets represent major capital on the farm. Below, we outline several methods to evaluate what these machines are worth, especially as they age or when considering second-hand purchases. 

Valuation Methods for Used Machinery 

Valuing used farm equipment is not an exact science – it’s often best to use multiple methods to triangulate a reasonable value. Common approaches include using depreciation schedules, comparing recent market sales, calculating value based on income or cost savings, considering insurance replacement cost, and accounting for residual (salvage) value. Each method gives a different perspective:

• Depreciation (Straight-Line or Declining Balance) – Calculates value loss over time based on age. 
• Market Comparison – Looks at actual sale prices for similar equipment in the current market.
  
• Income or ROI Approach – Values equipment by the income it generates or the savings it provides.
  
• Insurance Replacement Value – Considers what it would cost to replace the item new, minus depreciation.
  
• Residual/Salvage Value – Accounts for the minimal value at end-of-life (for scrap or parts).
  

Depreciation-Based Valuation (Straight-Line vs. Diminishing) 

Depreciation is the loss in value of equipment as it ages. A simple way to estimate a used machine’s value is to start from its original cost and subtract depreciation. There are two main depreciation methods: straight-line (also called prime cost) and declining-balance (diminishing value). Straight-line depreciation assumes the asset loses value evenly over its useful life, while declining-balance depreciation assumes a higher loss in early years and less in later years.

• Determine Useful Life: First, establish the expected useful life of the machine. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) provides guidelines for many assets. For example, olive oil processing equipment has an effective life of about 15 years according to ATO determinations. (For comparison, general farm tractors are given about a 12-year effective life .) You can use these as a baseline, though actual lifespan can vary with usage and maintenance.
• Straight-Line Calculation: Under straight-line depreciation, each year the machine loses roughly an equal percentage of its original value. The ATO’s prime cost formula is: 
  

For instance, if a small olive press was purchased new for $30,000 and has a 15-year life, straight-line depreciation would be ~6.67% per year (100/15). After 10 years (two-thirds of its life), it would be about 10 × 6.67% ≈ 66.7% depreciated. In simple terms, its book value might be roughly 33% of the original cost (around $10,000 in this example). This assumes no residual value; in practice, you might add a small salvage value (see Residual Value section) instead of depreciating to zero. 

• Declining-Balance Calculation: Declining or diminishing value depreciation accelerates the write-down in early years. The ATO’s diminishing value method uses roughly 200% of the straight-line rate. For a 15-year life asset, this means ~13.33% depreciation per year on the reducing balance. Using the same $30,000 press example, the first year depreciation would be $4,000 (13.33%), leaving $26,000 value; the next year ~$3,466 (13.33% of 26k), and so on. After 10 years, the formula would yield a remaining value of only around 20–25% of the original (about $6,000–$7,500). This method better reflects how equipment often loses value fastest when it’s newest.

Example (Depreciation Method): You bought an olive mill for $100,000 new, which is now 10 years old. Using straight-line (15-year life), its book value would be roughly $100k × (5/15) = $33k remaining. Using diminishing value (13.33% yearly), its book value might be closer to $24k–$25k after 10 years. You could cite these as a range – perhaps saying the machine is “approximately $25k–$33k based on age” – then adjust up or down for condition. If your equipment’s been exceptionally well maintained or lightly used, it might fetch more than the book value; if it’s in rough shape, it could be less.

Market Comparison Approach

One of the most practical valuation methods is to see what the market is willing to pay for similar equipment. Check recent listings and sales of comparable olive oil machinery or farm equipment. In Australia, useful platforms include: 

• Online Marketplaces: Websites like FarmMachinerySales, Farm Tender, Gumtree, and even specialised sites (e.g. Used Olive Machinery on olivemachinery.com) list second-hand equipment. Use the search and filter functions to find gear similar to yours in make, model, age, and capacity. For example, on farmmachinerysales.com.au, you can filter by equipment type, brand, year, location, and even features, then sort by price to see the range of asking prices. This gives a ballpark of what sellers expect. Remember to note whether those are asking prices or finalised sale prices. 
• Specialised Dealers and Classifieds: The olive industry community often shares leads on used equipment. The Australian Olive Association or local grower groups might have classifieds. The Used Olive Machinery site mentioned above compiles listings – for instance, a listing for a used Oliomio 700 processing line with ~1,936 hours was recently posted, indicating the machine was well-maintained and had a decanter refurb at 1,500 hours. While that particular listing was marked sold with the price “POA” (price on application), details like hours give context. If you find a similar model on sale, you can gauge value by comparing usage hours and condition.
  
• Auction Results and Dealer Insights: Auction houses (like GraysOnline or farm clearing sales) sometimes sell olive equipment. Past auction results can signal what buyers paid. Additionally, don’t hesitate to talk to equipment dealers or valuers. Many farm machinery dealers have experience with resale values and can provide an informal appraisal or at least guidance on current market conditions. For niche machines, the dealer who sold it to you (or their competitors) might recall what similar used units went for.
  

Example (Market Comparison): Suppose you own a 10-year-old press (same as above) and find two similar presses listed: one in NSW for $40k (fully serviced, ready for work) and one in SA for $30k (sold as-is, needs some repairs). If your machine is in good working order with maintenance records, the market approach might suggest a value in the high $30k’s. You’d then cross-check this against the $24k–$33k depreciation estimate – if the market seems to be paying a premium (perhaps due to a shortage of used presses), you might lean toward the upper end of the range. On the other hand, if no one is buying presses because many olive groves use custom processing services, you might have to price on the lower end to attract interest.

Income-Based (Cost Recovery or ROI) Approach 

Another angle is to value equipment based on the income it produces or the savings it provides. This method essentially asks: How much is this machine worth to my farm’s profitability? There are a couple of ways to think about it:

• Return on Investment (ROI): Calculate how quickly the machine “pays for itself” through additional revenue or cost savings. For example, owning an olive press means you don’t pay an outside mill to process your olives. If a custom processor charges, say, $300 per tonne, and you press 50 tonnes a year, that’s $15,000/year saved by having your own mill. If your press has 5 years of useful life remaining, it could “generate” roughly $75,000 in savings over that time. The present value of those savings (discounting future years) might be somewhat less, but it suggests the machine is quite valuable to your operation. In reality, you’d also factor in running costs and labour, but the ROI perspective might justify that paying, for instance, $40k for a used press is reasonable because you’d recoup that cost in under 3 seasons of savings.
• Income Stream Valuation: If the equipment directly produces income (e.g. you press oil and sell it, or you do contract pressing for other groves), you can estimate the net cash flow attributable to the machine. For instance, a separator (centrifuge) might enable higher oil yield or quality, boosting your product value by $X per year. You could then say the machine’s value is the net present value of those future cash flows. In practice, farmers often use simpler payback periods rather than complex discounted cash flow for on-farm decisions. A common rule is that machinery purchases should ideally pay back within their useful life or a set target (like 5-7 years). If a used harvester will save you hiring picking crews costing $20k/year, paying around $100k for it (5-year payback) might be justifiable, whereas a price of $200k (10-year payback) might be too steep unless the machine’s life is much longer. 
  
• Cost of Alternatives: Sometimes the value is inferred by what it would cost NOT to have the machine. For example, without a sprayer, you might lose yield to disease; without an on-site press, you might have quality loss or transportation costs. Those implicit costs can be hard to quantify, but are real. If a machine prevents a $50k loss one year (by enabling timely harvest or processing), that adds to its value for your operation.
  

Example (Income Approach): Consider a recently purchased separator (centrifuge) that cost $15,000 new and is only 2 years old. Depreciation might put it at $10k–$12k book value now. But you bought it to improve your oil quality and yield – and indeed, oil yields went up 5%, earning you an extra $5,000 in oil sales each year. If we assume it has at least 8 years of life left, that’s potentially $40k additional income coming. Even discounting future years, the value-in-use of that separator might be on the order of $30k. Of course, no one would pay $30k for a used unit when a new one is $15k, but this tells you that for your own insurance, you might want it covered for replacement cost, and that selling it would only make sense if you exit the business or get a bigger unit. In other words, the ROI approach here tells you the separator is “worth more to me on the farm than to anyone buying it,” so you’d hold onto it unless necessary. 

Insurance Replacement Value

From an insurance perspective, valuation is about ensuring you could replace the equipment if it’s damaged or lost. There are two main concepts used by insurers:

• Replacement Cost (New for Old): This covers the full cost of buying a new equivalent machine at today’s prices. If you insure for replacement cost, you pay higher premiums, but if disaster strikes (fire, theft, etc.), the policy would pay out enough to purchase a brand-new replacement (provided you actually replace it). This is ideal for relatively new equipment or critical machinery you can’t operate without. Keep in mind the replacement cost might be higher than what you originally paid, due to inflation or newer models’ pricing. 
• Actual Cash Value (ACV): This is essentially replacement cost minus depreciation. In insurance claims, ACV is the replacement cost less wear-and-tear deductions. For older equipment, insurers often default to ACV. In practical terms, ACV = current market value. For example, if a harvester would cost $200k new but is 10 years old, an ACV policy might value it at say $80k (after depreciation), and that’s what you’d get if it were written off. The difference between ACV and replacement can be huge – one insurance guide notes that replacement coverage pays for a new item, whereas ACV coverage factors in depreciation and can result in tens of thousands less payout on older gear.
  

Where to find replacement costs? Contact dealers or check current price lists for the closest equivalent new model. For instance, if your 2008 olive mill is no longer sold, find the price of the current model with a similar capacity. Don’t forget to include freight to your location and installation costs in the replacement figure, as a new machine often involves these. In Australia, companies like The Olive Centre or Olive Agencies can provide quotes for new machinery. We saw earlier that small Oliomio units started around $19.5k a few years back – those prices can guide insurance values for hobby-scale equipment. For larger systems, get a formal quote if possible, since custom setups vary widely.

Also, consider partial loss scenarios: insurance may cover repairs. If you have an older machine, parts might be scarce, so even repairs could approach replacement cost. This is another reason some farmers insure older critical items for replacement cost if they can.

Tip: Document your equipment’s details (serial numbers, specs) and keep evidence of its condition. In an insurance assessment, having maintenance logs, photos, and appraisals can support your valuation. Insurers might depreciate based on a generic schedule, but if you can show your press was fully refurbished last year, you have a case for a higher value. As one farm insurer explains, typically anything over ~8–10 years might only get ACV coverage. If your gear is older but in mint condition or has an ongoing role generating income, discuss options with your insurer – you might opt for a higher agreed value or a policy rider for replacement.

Residual and Salvage Value Considerations

No matter which method you use, don’t forget that machinery usually has some residual value at the end of its useful life. This could be as spare parts, scrap metal, or a second life in a lower-intensity setting. Incorporating residual value prevents undervaluing the asset (and avoids over-depreciating on paper). 

• Salvage Value: This is the estimated amount you could get for the machine when you dispose of it after its useful life. For instance, large tractors might still fetch ~30–40% of their new price at 10 years old in decent condition, whereas very old, non-functional equipment might only fetch scrap steel prices. Setting a salvage value of, say, 10% of original cost is common in straight-line depreciation formulas, but it can be higher for well-built machinery. If your olive press is 20 years old and no longer suitable for prime production, you might still sell it to a hobby grower or for parts. Research scrap prices and second-hand parts demand: stainless steel components, motors, and gearboxes have value. Even if the entire machine is obsolete, a local metal recycler might pay per ton of steel.
• Residual Functional Value: Sometimes a machine is fully depreciated in accounting terms, but still works fine. In the olive world, older-style presses (the hydraulic press with mats, as used traditionally) may be inefficient, yet a small producer or an enthusiast might buy one for a few thousand dollars for the “romance” of old-school pressing. Don’t assume that reaching the end of the official life means the value is zero. There can be a floor price for any working equipment. Even if you yourself consider it beyond use, check around – you might find a buyer regionally or even overseas (export markets for used farm equipment can offer surprising opportunities). 

When valuing for sale, you might actually set your asking price near the salvage floor if the item is very old. This makes the offering attractive to bargain hunters while ensuring you recover at least scrap value. On the flip side, if you’re buying used equipment, be wary of prices that are at or below typical scrap value – it could indicate the machine is only good for parts. 

In summary, always account for the “leftover” value. For insurance, that might not matter (since a total loss is a total loss), but for appraisals and decisions like trading in vs. running to failure, knowing the salvage value helps. For example, if a decanter’s internals are shot, it might still have a salvage value of $5,000 for the stainless steel. That $5k is effectively the bottom-line value no matter what. 

Example (Residual Value): You have a 15-year-old tractor that’s been fully depreciated on your books. However, it still runs and could be a backup or sold to a small farm. Checking online, you see similar 80 HP tractors from the mid-2000s selling for around $15,000. That’s the residual market value. Even if you only get $10k due to some issues, that’s far above scrap metal value (maybe a few thousand). Therefore, in your valuation, you wouldn’t list the tractor as $0 – you’d acknowledge, say, a $12k residual value in fair condition. This logic applies to olive equipment too: an old olive washer or oil storage tank might be fully written off in accounts, but it has residual usefulness that someone will pay for.

Comparison of Valuation Methods

Each method has its strengths. The table below summarises and compares these approaches:

Example Valuation Scenarios

Let’s apply the above methods to two concrete scenarios to see how they complement each other:

Scenario 1: Valuing a 10-Year-Old Olive Oil Press 

Background: You purchased a medium-sized olive oil press (continuous centrifugal system) 10 years ago for $100,000. It has been used each harvest, processing around 50 tonnes of olives per year. It’s well-maintained, though out of warranty now. You are considering upgrading to a newer model and want to determine a fair sale price or insurance value. 

• Depreciation Estimate: With an effective life of 15 years, straight-line depreciation suggests about 2/3 of its life is used. If we assumed no salvage, book value ≈ $100k × (5/15) = $33,000. If we assume a salvage value (say 10% = $10k salvage), then the book value would be slightly higher (about $40k remaining depreciable portion – meaning roughly $40k if fully functional). The diminishing value method (13.33%/yr) would put it a bit lower, on the order of $25,000 remaining value. So from an accounting perspective, you’re looking at mid-five figures.
• Market Comparison: You search the classifieds and find one comparable press – an 8-year-old unit of similar capacity in another state listed for $50,000 (with extras like spare parts and a service history). There’s also a 12-year-old smaller press at $25,000. From talking to a dealer, you learn demand for used presses is moderate; many small growers prefer to use local contract processors rather than buy these outright. Given yours is 10 years and well-kept, you gauge that the market value might be around $30,000–$40,000 if you find the right buyer. You’d likely start by asking in the low 40s and be prepared to negotiate down to mid-30s. This aligns reasonably with the depreciation figures, perhaps a tad higher due to good condition. 
  
• Income/ROI: If you keep the press, how much is it worth to you? Pressing 50 tonnes/year at a custom rate of maybe $300/tonne would cost $15k/year, which you avoid by owning it. Over the next 5 years (assuming it remains operational), that’s $75k saved. In addition, having your own press has enabled immediate processing for quality (perhaps improving oil value) – but let’s focus on cost savings. The press “earns” $15k/year for you. If you sell it and switch to custom processing, you’d incur that cost. So internally, the machine is providing value. If you required a 5-year payback for a new purchase, $75k in savings suggests up to $75k could have been justifiable to pay for a press at this point. That doesn’t mean its market value is $75k (nobody will pay that since a new one is around that price), but it tells you that selling it for, say, $30k means the buyer is getting a great deal relative to what it could earn them. It may also inform your decision: if upgrading to a new $120k press, you’d compare the incremental benefits. The ROI view might actually convince you to keep the old press as backup or for capacity if its value-in-use is high and the resale market is soft.
  
• Replacement Cost (Insurance): A brand new equivalent model now might cost $120,000 (prices have risen). You have it insured for its replacement cost, which is smart for a vital machine under a replacement policy. However, if it’s under an ACV policy, the insurer would factor heavy depreciation – likely paying only around $30k if it were destroyed. You decide to check your insurance: perhaps you consider switching to replacement coverage if the premium is justifiable, because you know finding a good used replacement would be tough if yours failed. At minimum, you ensure the insured value reflects at least the mid-$30k range, so you’re not underinsured. You also keep documentation of the maintenance (e.g. you have service logs and receipts, which can boost perceived value to both buyers and insurers ). 
  
• Residual/Salvage: If the press utterly failed tomorrow (say the decanter drum cracked beyond repair), you could still sell it as parts – the motor, the stainless steel tanks, etc., might fetch a few thousand dollars. That sets a floor value of maybe $5k–$10k even as junk. This isn’t high, but it means you wouldn’t let it go for less than that under any circumstances. It also means in straight-line depreciation you might have set salvage = $10k, which matches the earlier book value calcs. 
  

Scenario 2: Valuing a Nearly New Separator (Centrifuge)

Background: You bought a new centrifugal separator (vertical centrifuge for polishing oil) 1 year ago for $20,000. It’s a high-speed clarifier that improves oil quality. Unfortunately, you’re now restructuring your operations and might sell this unit. It’s in “as-new” condition. How to value it? 

• Depreciation: Effective life per ATO for such equipment might also be ~15 years (similar category as other processing assets). After 1 year, straight-line depreciation would deduct ~6.7% (~$1,333), so the book value is ~$18,667. Diminishing value at 13.33% would put it at ~$17,334 book. In other words, it hasn’t depreciated much – only 1 year old means maybe 85–95% of value remaining on paper.
• Market Comparison: The catch with very new used equipment is that buyers expect a discount vs. buying new (since they lose the benefit of being the first owner and possibly lose warranty coverage if it’s non-transferable). If new is $20k, a rule of thumb might be a 10–20% immediate drop once “used”. You check if any similar units are for sale – that’s unlikely given how new it is. Instead, you might call the supplier to see if they have demo units or trade-ins. Suppose they mention a demo separator was sold at 15% off the list price. That implies a fair market price of maybe $17k for a lightly used one. Considering yours has a full warranty remaining, you aim perhaps at $16k–$18k to entice a buyer (they save a bit, but you recoup most of your cost). Any more than that, and they may prefer to just buy new with full support.
  
• Income/ROI: In its brief use, let’s say the separator improved your oil enough to get a higher price, earning you an extra $3,000 in that year. If you were to keep it, the ROI is great – it’d pay for itself in under 7 years at that rate, maybe even faster if oil volumes grow. Selling it means you lose those benefits (unless you have an alternative). However, if you’re exiting olive oil production, the ROI to you going forward is moot – better to get cash now. If you weren’t existing, this scenario likely wouldn’t come up (you’d keep such a useful item). This highlights that ROI valuation is very context-dependent. For an ongoing producer, a machine that improves product quality could be “worth its weight in gold,” whereas for someone leaving the industry, it’s only worth what someone else will pay. 
  
• Replacement/Insurance: Being new, you probably insured it at the purchase price $20k (which is essentially replacement cost). It might even be under a year where the manufacturer or your business insurance covers it for full value. Any claim would likely get you a new one (less deductible). So insurance value is $20k. 
  
• Residual: The separator should have easily 10+ years of life left, so residual is far off. It might be worth perhaps $2k as scrap in a distant future. That’s not really relevant now except to note it holds value well through life. 
  

Australian Market Factors in Machinery Valuation 

Valuing farm equipment in Australia comes with some local considerations that can affect prices and depreciation. Here are a few factors particularly relevant to Aussie olive producers:

• Regional Supply and Demand: Australia’s olive industry is modest in size and geographically spread (WA, SA, VIC, NSW all have groves). This means used olive equipment is a thin market. In areas like central Victoria or parts of NSW where olive growing is concentrated, there might be a few interested buyers for a used press, supporting your asking price. But in regions where olives are less common, demand is low – you might have to ship the item to a buyer elsewhere or accept a lower local price. Always consider the location factor: a machine in the remote Riverland or WA may sell for less than the same machine in central NSW, purely because fewer buyers nearby (and transport costs cut into what someone will pay). As one guide notes, prices can vary by location and demand – a factor to hone in on when comparing listings. 
• Climate Impacts (Drought and Bumper Seasons): Agriculture is cyclical. Prolonged droughts or poor harvests can force farmers to liquidate equipment, which can flood the market and depress prices. For example, if a drought severely cuts olive yields for a couple of years, some growers might decide to sell their processing gear, leading to more used presses on sale and thus lower prices to clear them. Conversely, after a few good seasons or an industry expansion (say new groves coming into production), demand for equipment can spike – used machines might fetch a premium because buyers want them immediately rather than waiting for new. Keep an eye on industry trends: if many groves are pulling out trees due to water scarcity, used equipment could be more abundant (buyer’s market). If olives are booming, used machinery might hold value strongly or even temporarily appreciate due to long lead times for new units.
  
• Distance to Service and Parts: Australia’s size means that service support for specialised machinery can be far away. Brand matters – a well-known brand with a local dealer or technician network (and readily available spare parts) will command a higher resale because buyers feel secure about keeping it running. For instance, an olive press made by a reputable Italian company with an Australian agent (like Mori-TEM’s Oliomio, represented by local agencies) is more desirable than an obscure brand with no local support. If you own the latter, expect to discount it, as the next owner takes on more risk (they might have to import parts themselves). Highlight any upgrades or commonality of parts in your machine if it helps – e.g. “uses standard ABB motors available locally” can ease concern. Additionally, if you’re in a remote area, a local buyer might factor in the inconvenience of servicing (e.g. “nearest qualified technician is 800 km away”). Sometimes the solution is to sell into a different region – e.g. a WA seller might find an east coast buyer if the machine is rare, but then transport cost must be negotiated. 
  
• Agricultural Incentives and Tax Environment: Australian tax policies can influence secondhand values. In recent years, schemes like instant asset write-off or temporary full expensing (especially during 2020–2023) encouraged new equipment purchases. This may lead to a surge of used equipment being sold when those new ones arrive (potentially softening used prices). On the other hand, if such incentives lapse, more people may seek second-hand to save money. Also, the ATO’s depreciation schedules (as discussed) create a common framework – many farmers will mentally value a machine around its written-down value for tax, since if they buy it, that’s what they can start depreciating from. Knowing that, a piece of gear fully written off by the seller might still have plenty of life – a buyer gets a tax advantage of starting depreciation anew (if they buy at a low price). This dynamic sometimes pushes low-hour used equipment to sell at high prices (almost new) because buyers can effectively depreciate it again themselves.
  
• Insurance and Finance Conditions: In Australia, if a piece of machinery is financed or used as loan collateral, the lender may require periodic valuation or adequate insurance. This can create a floor under prices because neither the bank nor the insured owner wants the declared value to fall below a threshold. Additionally, farm insurance policies here often use co-insurance clauses – you must insure for full value or face a penalty on claims. This means producers are incentivised to keep their insured values realistic. If everyone is insuring a certain type of tractor for $50k, that tends to also be roughly the market perception of its worth. 
  
• Seasonality: The timing within the year can affect sale prices. Right before harvest (late autumn for olives in Australia) is when demand for harvesters and presses peaks – a desperate buyer might pay more in April than they would in December after processing is done. If you’re selling, try to list just ahead of the peak usage season to catch buyers who realise they need equipment urgently. Conversely, if you’re buying and can wait until after harvest, you might find better deals from sellers who don’t want to store equipment over the off-season.
  

Preparing for Insurance, Resale, or Tax Write-Downs 

Depending on your goal – insuring the asset, selling it, or accounting for it – you’ll approach valuation with a slightly different mindset and requirements. Here’s how to handle each:

• Insurance Assessments: When insuring farm equipment, decide between replacement cost vs. actual cash value coverage. For crucial olive equipment, many opt for replacement coverage if available, so that a total loss means you can buy new gear and continue operations. Work with your insurance agent to set the insured value. Provide any appraisals or evidence if the item is unique. For example, you might obtain a written valuation from a machinery valuer or dealer for your press – this can justify a higher insured value beyond book value, which is helpful if the insurer questions it. Also, maintain an inventory list with models, serial numbers, and your estimated value; update it annually. Insurance companies often require this detail, and having your own numbers (grounded in the methods above) helps ensure you’re adequately covered. Remember that at claim time, if you have ACV coverage, the payout will factor in depreciation. If your equipment is older, be financially prepared to cover the gap or consider an agreed value policy where you and the insurer pre-set a value. 
• Resale Preparation: If selling equipment, presentation and documentation can significantly influence the price. Before listing, service and clean the machine thoroughly – a well-presented item signals to buyers that it’s been cared for (and indeed likely fetches a better price ). Fix any minor issues if cost-effective; an intact, working unit attracts higher bids than one sold “as-is” with problems. Gather your maintenance logs, part replacement records, and the operator’s manual – these reassure buyers and give you an edge. As noted in a farm machinery sales guide, having a great service history with receipts can allay buyers’ fears and attract added interest. When pricing, use the valuation range you determined and perhaps list slightly above your mid-point (there’s usually some negotiation). Be realistic and honest in your advertisement description about age and condition – transparency builds trust, and you won’t waste time with the wrong buyers. Lastly, timing (as mentioned, selling before the season) and a wide advertising reach (listing on multiple platforms) will help you get the best outcome.
  
• Tax Write-Downs and Accounting: For your own accounting or when doing a tax write-down (disposal) of an asset, the value matters for calculating any gain or loss on sale. The ATO depreciation schedule gave you a book value; if you sell above that, there may be a balancing charge (essentially income) to declare; if below, a balancing deduction (a loss you can claim). It’s wise to align your valuation (and sale price) with fair market value to avoid red flags. Using the ATO’s effective life (e.g. 15 years for olive equipment ) ensures your depreciation is per guidelines, and any deviation in sale price is explainable by condition or demand. If you plan on scrapping the item, document its salvage proceeds (even if $0) – the ATO likes to see that you considered salvage. Also note, if you’re a small business using simplified depreciation (pooling assets), check the rules: assets under certain thresholds might be instantly written off, meaning their tax value is nil even if they have market value. That’s fine – just be aware that selling such a “written-off” asset still triggers income equal to the sale price. Consulting with your accountant on the planned value can ensure your financial statements reflect a sensible number. Many farmers keep an internal asset register with both tax book value and an estimated market value updated annually for management purposes – this is a good practice to adopt.
  

Maintaining and Enhancing Your Equipment’s Value

Specialised machinery like over-the-row olive harvesters can hold their value well if maintained, though hours of use and local demand are key factors. For instance, the Colossus harvester pictured (built in Mildura, VIC) had logged about 7,735 hours – yet with components rebuilt and good upkeep, it remains a sought-after asset for large groves. When valuing such equipment, consider service history (e.g. newly rebuilt conveyors or engines), as major refurbishments can extend useful life significantly. Heavy machinery also benefits from many of the tips above: regular cleaning (clearing out olive leaves and dust), timely engine servicing (as per John Deere engine schedules in this case), and storing under cover in off-season all help preserve value. Usage hours are akin to mileage on a car – they directly impact value, but how those hours were accumulated (easy flat terrain vs. rough use) also matters. Keeping detailed records (hours of use per season, any downtime issues resolved) will support a higher valuation when selling to the next operator. 

Finally, don’t underestimate the value of operational knowledge and support documents. If you’re handing off a complex piece of gear, providing training to the buyer or passing along your notes (like ideal settings for different olive varieties, or a log of any quirks in the machine and how to manage them) can make your item more attractive, thereby supporting your asking price. It’s not a tangible “value” in dollars, but it eases the sale and might tip a buyer to choose your machine over another. 

Conclusion and Valuation Checklist

Valuing olive oil processing machinery and farm equipment requires blending hard numbers with practical insight. By using depreciation formulas, checking market prices, considering the machine’s contribution to your farm, and factoring in replacement costs, you can arrive at a well-supported valuation range. Always adjust for the realities of the Australian market – our distances, climate, and industry size mean context is key. And remember, the way you care for and present your equipment can significantly sway its value.

Whether you’re insuring your olive press, selling a used tractor, or just updating your asset register for the accountant, a thoughtful valuation will pay off. It ensures you neither leave money on the table nor hold unrealistic expectations. Use the following checklist as a guide whenever you undertake a machinery valuation:

Valuation Checklist for Olive Machinery & Farm Equipment: 

1. Gather Equipment Info: Note make, model, year, and specifications. Find original purchase price if available. Record current hours of use or throughput processed. 
2. Assess Condition: Evaluate wear, any needed repairs, and overall condition (excellent, good, fair, poor). Consider maintenance history – compile your service logs and receipts. 
3. Depreciation Benchmark: Calculate age-based value using straight-line or diminishing value. (Use ATO effective life guidelines – e.g. 15 years for presses, 12 years for tractors – or your own expected life.) Note the resulting book value and remaining life. 
4. Market Research: Search online for similar equipment sales. Compare at least a few data points (listings or auction results) to gauge the current market value range. Adjust for differences (your machine’s extra attachments, or if your locale differs from the listing’s locale). 
5. Income Value Analysis: (If applicable) Calculate how much income or savings the machine provides yearly. Determine how many years of service remain and consider the present value of those benefits. This is more for your insight – e.g., if the machine saves you $10k/year and has 5 years left, that’s $50k of value to you. 
6. Replacement Cost Check: Get a quote or current price for a new equivalent. This is vital for insurance and also gives an upper cap (no one will pay more for used than new). Note if your machine has features no longer available in new models (sometimes older heavy-duty builds are valued by some). 
7. Residual Value: Estimate a reasonable salvage value. Even if rough – say 10% of the new price – it prevents underestimating value. If you already have buyers in mind (scrappers, parts dealers), even better to get a real figure. 
8. Local Factors: Account for any Aussie-specific factors: Is there strong demand in your region? Any upcoming industry changes (subsidies, big growers expanding or closing)? Also consider currency exchange if your machine is import-heavy – a weak AUD can make new imports costly, lifting used values. 
9. Set a Value Range: Synthesise the above into a range (e.g. “$30k–$38k”). You might choose a precise number within for different purposes (e.g. insure at replacement $50k, ask $38k for sale, keep $30k as lowest acceptable). 
10. Document and Explain: If presenting this valuation (to an insurer, buyer, or auditor), prepare a brief explanation. Cite the methods: “Based on age (10 years), the unit’s value is $X; comparable sales are around $Y; thus, we value it at $Z.” For insurance or formal appraisals, having this rationale written out (with sources if possible) adds credibility. 
11. Maintain for Future Value: If not selling now, implement the maintenance tips to protect this value. Update this analysis periodically (annually or after major changes). 

Valuing farm equipment is part art and part science. The science comes from formulas and data; the art comes from experience and understanding of how your machinery fits into the bigger picture. With the guidelines above, you have tools from both domains at your disposal. Happy valuing – and may your olive machinery serve you efficiently and profitably throughout its life! 

Sources

1. FarmMachinerySales – Tips on pricing used tractors/equipment 
2. OliveAustralia (Olive Agencies) – Oliomio new equipment pricing example 
3. ATO Tax Ruling TR 2012/2 – Effective life of olive oil processing assets (15 years) 
4. FarmDoc Illinois – ASAE standard salvage value ~36% after 10 years for tractors 
5. Mitchell Joseph Insurance – Explanation of Replacement Cost vs Actual Cash Value in farm equipment insurance 
6. FarmMachinerySales – Value factors: condition, brand, service, location, maintenance records 
7. Used Olive Machinery (Amanda Bailey) – Market for used olive equipment and example listing details