Landcare Australia is delighted to reveal today 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
Dr Shane Norrish, CEO said “The quality of nominations 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 the natural environment.
The Award was established by the Office of the National Soils Advocate in 2020 to honour and perpetuate the memory of Australia’s first National Soils Advocate, Major General the Honourable Michael Jeffery, AC, AO (Mil), CVO, MC (Retd).
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.
Finalists for the 2025 General Jeffery Soil Health Award are:
Dr. Mary Retallack from South Australia for over 30 years has helped improve Australian soil by teaching the practical skills needed to employ agroecological restoration to degraded landscapes. As an experienced agroecologist, scientist and third-generation viticulturist Mary founded and leads the award-winning national EcoVineyards program, a science-based initiative promoting soil health and achieving a 50% agricultural carbon emissions reduction. EcoVinyards supports 6,251 wine growers and 2,361 winemakers in Australia, managing a combined 146,244 hectares of vineyards, in their shift towards ecological practices.
Dr. Susan Orgill from ACT is a leading applied soil scientist who champions soil science and evidence-based decision-making in land management, inspiring thousands 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.
Susan is a worthy nominee 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.
Dr Chris McDonough from South Australia nearly 40 years of work developing and using innovative land management practices have resulted in quantifiable improvements in soil health. He’s been a key figure in tackling Mallee seeps and dry saline land, significant soil degradation problems affecting over 50,000 hectares of farmland. Through extensive demonstration and collaboration with farmers, he had developed and implemented strategic soil amelioration techniques. His work has significantly reduced soil degradation, improved soil structure, and enhanced plant growth in affected areas. His ability to bridge research and practical application has led to wide-spread adoption of game-changing soil health practices, reinforcing his role as a champion of soil health.