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World Soil Day competition | $15k prize pool

24 October 2025

High school agriculture classes, Landcare groups and First Nations agencies across southern Queensland and Northern NSW can now compete for a share in a soil-health prize pool worth $15,000.

It is the first time the groups have been included in the World Soil Day competition run by the SQNNSW Innovation Hub. The wider footprint of eligible entrants still includes primary producers/land managers.

The month-long event, now in its third year, opens on 5 November, closing on 4 December 2025, the day before World Soil Day on 5 December.

The three prizes, each valued at $5,000, comprise a site visit from the Hub’s Regional Soil Coordinator (and Registered Soil Practitioner) Cameron Leckie, the collection of soil samples for comprehensive laboratory analysis and a written soil condition report.

If needed and where available, other Hub expertise may also be provided.

Cameron said: “We want to acknowledge this important awareness-raising day, and continue our support to primary producers and land managers who manage our most vital resource, the soil.”

Entries must highlight the importance of soil health to managing for drought and climatic extremes and either showcase one or more practices being implemented that are improving soil health, or describe a soil-related problem that is limiting potential. Read the full terms and conditions.

Winners benefit

Previous winners, Sally Higgins and Angus Somes of Allora, Qld (pictured) described their 2023 win as "incredibly valuable".

Two people stand in front of a field; the man on the left holds a microphone and wears a cap, while the woman on the right is dressed in a light blue shirt.

Grain farmer Sally said: “It reshaped how we approach soil and nutrient management in our cropping system. The drought hub team spent time with us on-farm, shared practical insights and delivered a detailed report that’s helped us adopt more effective soil practices. 

“We’re always looking for ways to deepen our understanding of the soil and natural environment on our farm. Opportunities like this help us improve as producers and strengthen our role as responsible land stewards.”

Watch more from Sally and Angus on our YouTube channel.

Entries open 5 November to 4 December 2025!

Entries can be made either via a social media post (you must tag in the SQNNSW Innovation Hub, and use the hashtag #soil), or email to sqnnswhub@unisq.edu.au.

The competition opens 9am (AEDT) on 5 November 2025 and closes at 11.59 pm (AEDT) on 4 December 2025.

The full terms and conditions are on the competition page.