The Soil Your Undies Challenge at Wilmot Field Day 2026
Producers from across Australia – and even the United States – are putting their soils to the test ahead of Wilmot Field Day, 4th & 5th March 2026, through the quirky ‘Soil Your Undies’ Challenge.
Lily Moore, UNE student and recipient of the Wilmot Residential Scholarship, is inviting producers to discover just how alive their soils are by burying 100% cotton undies for 13 weeks and seeing what remains at the end.
When the knickers are dug up, participants will see first-hand how soil microbes and biological activity break down organic matter, revealing the true health of their soil. Participants will share their observations and photos at Wilmot Field Day as part of the Soil Lab workshops.
Who’s taking part?
- Kierin Wilson – Wilmot Manager, Ebor
- Shane Curtis – Wilmot Cattle Company Operations Manager, Inverell
- Dr Allen Williams – Understanding Ag, USA
- Amanda Young – Atlas Carbon, Tamworth
- Jon Lundgren – Blue Dasher Farm, USA
- Matthew Evans – Mixed Farmer, Tasmania
- Lily Moore – Ilford, NSW
Why get involved?
- Discover healthy soils in action
- Learn more about your own soil biology
- Contribute to an exciting field day demonstration
- Celebrate soil health with fellow producers.
How it works:
- Choose two contrasting soil types on your farm
- Dig a shallow hole (approx. 5 cm deep)
- Lay your undies in the hole and cover with topsoil
- Mark the site with a flag
- Leave buried for 13 weeks
- Dig up, dry, brush off, photograph, and bag your undies
- Share your photos and videos on social media using #soilyourundies
Key dates:
- 10 November 2025 – Bury Date
- 9 February 2026 – Dig Up Date
- 4 & 5 March 2026 – Wilmot Field Day: Showcase results and posters
Join Lily and fellow producers from across Australia and the US in this practical experiment to celebrate soil health, and see how your soil really stacks up!