• Charles Sturt hosts the 2024 Intercollegiate Meat Judging Association (ICMJ) National Conference in Wagga Wagga
• The conference takes place from Tuesday 2 to Saturday 6 July and is being held at locations around the University and Teys Australia
• Local and international participants are learning about careers in the meat industry via a series of workshops, a meat judging competition and a careers expo

The 2024 Intercollegiate Meat Judging Association (ICMJ) National Conference brings together university students from across the globe to showcase careers and inspire future professionals in the meat industry.

The event is currently being hosted at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga from Tuesday 2 to Saturday 6 July.

The conference is open to university students from across the globe and includes seminars, workshops, a careers expo, meat judging competition and networking opportunities with industry leaders.

Participating students will attend events at various locations at Charles Sturt in Wagga Wagga before the meat judging competition to be held at Teys Australia on Saturday 6 July.

ICMJ is a non-profit association that aims to inspire and develop the next generation of global meat industry professionals.

Students will be equipped with the new skills, networks and knowledge to build a career in the meat industry.

Agrisciences Research and Business Park (AgriPark) Executive Director Mr Nick Pagett said Charles Sturt in Wagga Wagga is excited to host the conference again.

“We are delighted to welcome the 2024 Intercollegiate Meat Judging Association National Conference to Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga,” he said.

“This prestigious event provides an unparalleled opportunity for students from around the world to explore careers and gain insights from leading professionals in the meat industry.

“Hosting this event is an example of our commitment to fostering future leaders and innovators. We look forward to a week of learning, competition and networking.”

Fourth-year Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Bachelor of Veterinary Science student Ms Jasmine Wholton has participated in the event since 2022 and is the coach for the Charles Sturt team.

“For the last two years, I have coached the Charles Sturt University team and am looking forward to once again ensuring the 2024 Charles Sturt team take away as much as possible,” she said.

“The national ICMJ conference allows students to mingle with other like-minded students from all over Australia and be introduced to industry professionals.

“It is a great opportunity to get insights from industry leaders into current issues facing our industry.

“As a veterinary student passionate about beef production, this conference gives me the opportunities for placements and networking with professionals and students who will work alongside me in my career.”

ICMJ President Dr Peter McGilchrist said the event helps inspire and develop the next generation of global meat industry professionals.

“The ICMJ National Conference is a unique event that provides students with an in-depth understanding of the industry supply chain, its future direction and the enormous career opportunities it provides,” he said.

“Many current leaders in the meat industry have been through the ICMJ program and it’s wonderful to see them come back to where it all started and share their experiences and insights with the next generation.

“As part of the conference, students learn how to identify and evaluate beef, lamb and pork products and put that knowledge into practice in a competition setting.”