The New Plains Review, a literary magazine rooted in the Great Plains, has established the New Plains Prize in Poetry as part of its anniversary programming. The prize reflects the journal's longstanding engagement with regional concerns that resonate globally, and this iteration foregrounds water as a thematic throughline. The editors note that in the Plains, water is a complex and vital part of life, and they seek work that examines this complexity. The contest is open to all poets, with no restriction on style or subject matter, though submissions engaging with water are particularly encouraged. The prize offers poets the opportunity to have their work considered for publication in a special anniversary issue of New Plains Review. While no monetary prize is specified, publication in a respected literary journal provides significant exposure. The journal accepts up to five poems per submission, totaling no more than ten pages, and requires that all poems be included in a single file with each poem starting on a separate page. Poetry in languages other than English is permitted, and translated footnotes are encouraged, though translations are not accepted. This openness to multilingual work aligns with the journal's commitment to diverse voices and perspectives. The curatorial vision for this prize is grounded in a sense of place and shared human experience. By focusing on water, the editors invite poets to explore themes of scarcity, abundance, memory, and community. The contest is not merely a competition but a gathering of voices that speak to the essential and often overlooked elements of our lives. The $3 fee per submission is a modest barrier, ensuring that the prize remains accessible while supporting the journal's operations. The deadline of October 14, 2026, provides ample time for poets to craft and refine their submissions.