We’re thrilled that SSA member, soil champion and recipient of SSA’s 2024 LJH Teakle Medal — Dr Susan Orgill — has been acknowledged with the 2025 General Jeffery Soil Health Award at the National Landcare Australia Awards last night, Tuesday 23 September.
Dr Orgill — the original #SoilInfluencer — is a leading soil scientist who champions soil science and evidence-based decision making in land management. She has earned national recognition for her ability to communicate all things soils, specifically soil carbon and its contribution to healthy soil.
The General Jeffery Soil Health Award recognises the work of people who care for soil health and who are educating or inspiring others. The Award was established by our Patron, the Hon Penny Wensley AC, in her former role as National Soils Advocate, to honour the remarkable work and perpetuate the legacy of Australia’s first National Soils Advocate.
Dr Orgill is in good company, with the previous award recipient — Dr Oliver Knox (of ‘Soil Your Undies’ fame) — also being a member of SSA and holder of our Certified Professional Soil Scientist accreditation.
Further, the inaugural awardee — Emeritus Professor Lynette Abbott — is an internationally-acclaimed pioneering researcher in soil science and soil biology, and is one of only 25 Honorary Lifetime Member of SSA.
It is truly wonderful to see another worthy recipient of the General Jeffery Soil Health Award in 2025. We’re proud to have these remarkable people associated and involved with our society!
Thanks to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry for supporting Landcare Australia with this initiative.
Congratulations again to Dr Susan Orgill. We’re sure she will put the cash prize to good use in furthering her endeavours in promoting and raising awareness of soil health. We extend our congratulations also to 2025 finalists Dr Mary Retallack and Dr Chris McDonough.