Congratulations to the 2025 General Jeffery Soil Heath Award Winner
The 2025 General Jeffery Soil Health Award has been awarded to Dr. Susan Orgill. Dr. Orgill is an exciting and dynamic soils scientist with a national industry reputation for her expertise, especially carbon and its effects on soil health.
About Dr Susan Orgill
As a leading applied soil scientist, Dr. Orgill advocates for soil science and fact-based land management, motivating many people with her passion for soil. Susan is the original “Soil Influencer” earning national recognition for her ability to communicate all things soils specifically soil carbon and its contribution to healthy soil.
Dr Orgill’s impact as a professional soil scientist extends beyond project development and implementation, creation of impactful research, publication in the international scientific literature, creation and delivery of soils extension material, sharing her knowledge of soils via public speaking opportunities and provision of education at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
She is passionate about working with producers, expanding their understanding of the soils effectively bridging the gap between farming communities and soil scientists for implementing good soil practices that improve soil health in agriculturally managed landscapes.
Susan’s passion for soil is evident as she interacts with people, often seen in her distinctive “SOIL – WILL SAVE US” t-shirt. As a soil researcher she has authored more than 25 peer reviewed journal papers on soil management.
Susan is a worthy recipient based on her many years of promoting and raising awareness of soil health, resulting in understanding and uptake of sustainable land management practices in Australia.
Finalists for the 2025 General Jeffery Soil Heath Award
Landcare Australia is proud to present the three finalists for the 2025 General Jeffery Soil Health Award. This national award recognises the exceptional work of people who care for soil health and who are educating or inspiring others.
The award finalists include:
- Dr Mary Retallack: Crafers West, South Australia
- Dr Susan Orgill: Aranda, ACT
- Dr Chris McDonough: Loxton, South Australia
Learn more about the finalists.
The 2025 General Jeffrey Soil Health Award honours the remarkable work done by Australia’s first National Soils Advocate, former Governor General, Major General the Hon. Michael Jeffery, AC, AO (Mil), CVO, MC (Retd) and perpetuates his legacy.
Dr Shane Norrish, CEO said “The quality of nominations that Landcare Australia received this year highlights the landcare community’s commitment to improving agricultural landscapes and the crucial role soil champions play in promoting soil health. The three finalists deserve this recognition for their commitment and influence to improve soil health.”
A panel of soil health experts, including past winners, used their extensive expertise and experience to rigorously select the finalists. Each finalist demonstrates an incredible life’s work dedicated to improving the sustainability and productivity of our agricultural sector and landscape restoration.
The General Jeffery Soil Health Award is presented biennially alongside the National Landcare Awards. The Award includes a trophy and a $20,000 cash prize for an agreed soil health project for recipients to continue their work.
The 2025 Award will be presented at the 2025 National Landcare Awards dinner hosted as part of the 2025 National Landcare Conference at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre on Tuesday 23 September 2025.
The General Jeffery Soil Health Award is presented biennially alongside the National Landcare Awards. The Award includes a trophy and a $20,000 cash prize for an agreed soil health project for recipients to continue their work. Learn more about the award.
The 2025 Award will be presented at the 2025 National Landcare Awards dinner hosted as part of the 2025 National Landcare Conference at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre on Tuesday 23 September 2025.
Learn more about the finalists
Dr Mary Retallack
A renowned agroecologist, scientist, and third-generation viticulturist who started the amazing EcoVineyards Program.
Dr Susan Orgill
A leading soil scientist who champions soil science and evidence-based decision making in land management.
Dr Chris McDonough
A scientist who has helped farmer groups across Australia achieve profitable, sustainable, biologically active and more robust farming soils.
The 2025 General Jeffery Soil Health Award is funded by the Australian Government through the Natural Heritage Trust. Landcare Australia administers the Award on behalf of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). The General Jeffrey Soil Health Award was established in 2020 by the Office of the National Soils Advocate.