Charles Sturt University (CSU) student meat judges have returned from the United States with a swag of awards and a deeper understanding of the industry.

Miss Meg Parsons and Mr Timothy Morley-Sattler from CSU's School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences in Wagga Wagga, were part of the five-member Australian Intercollegiate Meat Judging (ICMJ) team which took part in three American competitions during January.

The Australian team placed fourth overall in both the National Western Meat Judging in Colorado and the South West Intercollegiate Meat Judging in Texas.

Miss Parsons and Mr Morley-Sattler also picked up individual awards in the third competition, the Southwest Invitational Contest.

Mr Morley Sattler said the month-long tour of the United States meat industry was an eye opener.

"It has definitely changed my perception of the meat industry," he said. "I have a new appreciation of the way that the different industries operate in the United States and why they operate in those ways."

Miss Parsons said she was struck by the scale of the American meat industry compared to Australia.

"As they say, 'everything is bigger in Texas'. Well it is not just Texas, it is all of the United States," Miss Parsons said. "There are bigger feedlots, bigger processing plants, bigger dairies and bigger animals."

"I have gained so much knowledge that I can bring back to the Australian industry to assist producers in being more productive and profitable.

"I have made some invaluable connections, been provided with wonderful networking opportunities and made lifelong friends.

"This trip will add not only to my studies at Charles Sturt University but to my profession as a veterinarian by allowing me to truly be more involved with producers and the meat and livestock industry in Australia."

Miss Parsons and Mr Morley-Sattler were selected for the national team after taking part in a training camp and competing in the Australian Intercollegiate Meat Judging Competition held at CSU in July 2014.

The Australian Intercollegiate Meat Judging Association (ICMJ) is a not-for-profit association aimed at exposing and encouraging students into careers in the meat industry.