• The Australian Intercollegiate Meat Judging Association (ICMJ) national conference has commenced at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga, for the 11^th time
• The conference brings together students and coaches from tertiary institutions, and leading industry representatives from the Australian red meat sector for the four-day event
• The event involves a series of presentations, panel discussions and workshops, including the National Meat Judging Competition

Agricultural university students, staff and industry leaders from the Australian red meat sector and beyond have gathered at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga with the commencement of the Australian Intercollegiate Meat Judging Association (ICMJ) conference.

The four-day event runs from Wednesday 5 until Saturday 8 July and showcases the latest career pathways available in the red meat industry, while providing networking opportunities with leading companies in the sector.

This is the 11^th time Charles Sturt University and Teys Australia will have hosted the conference at the Wagga Wagga campus. The conference consists of presentations from agricultural industry leaders, seminars, practical workshops, the ICMJ Careers and Industry Expo and the prestigious National Meat Judging Competition.

Charles Sturt University Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Mark Evans officially opened the conference, welcoming 130 students and young industry participants.

Charles Sturt AgriPark Executive Director Mr Nick Pagett said the conference was a premier event for the next generation of red meat producers.

“The ICMJ conference offers invaluable agricultural knowledge, expertise, and training to equip the next generation of Australian red meat industry leaders with the skills required for the future,” Mr Pagett said.

“Attendees have the opportunity of meeting with agricultural industry leaders and decision-makers who cover many disciplines and key principles to be applied across the wider industry, including beyond the red meat sector.”

Due to growing industry demand, registrations to attend this year’s conference were open to beyond university students from Australia and internationally, to include young professionals already in the workforce.

ICMJ President Dr Peter McGilchrist said the goal of ICMJ is to inspire and develop the future red meat industry workforce.

“While university students are a core part of that future workforce, it was also important to continue to develop the skills of young people after they enter the industry,” Dr McGilchrist said.

Participants at this years’ conference also include a team of nine students from the University of Wyoming in the USA.

Today’s sessions included ‘big picture’ presentations from Meat and Livestock Australia Managing Director and ICMJ alumni, Mr Jason Strong and internationally renowned meat scientist Professor Graham Gardner.

The ICMJ National Conference runs over four days from Wednesday 5 to Saturday 8 July at Charles Sturt University and Teys Australia in Wagga Wagga.

The event also includes a series of presentations capturing the insights of leading producers and processors including Martin Smithson, Coles; Tom Maguire, Greenham; Madison Campbell, Kilcoy Global Foods; and Jake Phillips, Angus Australia.

In addition to the industry-leading speakers and the prestigious National Meat Judging Competition, the ICMJ Careers and Industry Expo connects delegates with representatives from almost 50 agribusinesses.

The top performers in the National Meat Judging Competition are selected to represent Australia on a tour of the United States red meat industry and compete in a United States ICMJ competition.

ENDS