The annual Archibull Prize program is now open for secondary schools in Central Queensland.

Competing for cash prizes and the national title of Grand Champion, participating schools will research the Australian cotton industry while creatively transforming life-size fibreglass cows into amazing agricultural inspired artworks.

Which Cotton School will meet Costa in 2018

Schools also create a suite of digital multimedia communications and are paired with Young Farming Champions who visit schools, taking the farm straight into the classroom.

As a former participant in The Archibull Prize, Central Queensland agriculture extension specialist Sharna Holman says she appreciates the opportunities the program gave her.

Sharna now works in the cotton industry for the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (QDAF) and CottonInfo as a Regional Extension Officer and continues to be involved with The Archibull Prize by speaking with participating schools.

“Being involved in the Archibull Prize while at high school gave me a better understanding of where my food and fibre came from and highlighted the exciting pathways and careers available in cotton.” Ms Holman says.

“I’m looking forward to visiting schools in the region in 2018 to talk with students about the Australian cotton industry and share the passion and stories young people have for the industry and agriculture.’

Participation in The Archibull Prize is a chance for students and educators to put their school on the map, with the 2017 National Grand Champion winner travelling from Brisbane to the iconic Sydney Royal Easter Show to the halls of the NSW Parliament.

“Over the past seven years The Archibull Prize has engaged more than 160,000 students in conversations about agriculture and consistently shown that the students involved were deeply engaged in a range of learning experiences,” says Archibull Prize program director, Lynne Strong.

“Teachers saw the impacts first-hand of a successful combination of arts and multimedia activities, along with STEM project-based learning activities across multiple key learning areas. Put simply, The Archibull Prize is a successful addition to any learning program.”

Cotton Australia CEO Adam Kay says the organisation has proudly supported the Archibull program for many years.

“The Archibull Prize is a fantastic way to inform young people and educators about our industry and farming in general,” Mr Kay says. “When coupled with the Young Farming Champions program, we have a powerful way to engage with future and current generations about the value of the cotton industry and agriculture as a whole.”

“We encourage schools NSW and Queensland to participate in this extremely worthwhile program and look forward to seeing the products of their efforts on proud display.”

Teachers and  students will be inspired by Cotton Young Farming Champions like James Kanaley 

Watch the video and hear what teachers are saying they value about The Archibull Prize

Visit our website and view the winning entries in our Hall of Fame 

For more information or to complete an Expression of Interest Contact Program Director Lynne Strong

E: lynnestrong@art4agriculture.com.au M: 0407 740 446