Australia’s next generation of meat industry professionals has embarked on five days of intensive industry education at the ICMJ National Conference in Wagga Wagga today.

The ICMJ National Conference, held at Charles Sturt University and Teys Australia is a key pillar of the ICMJ program which aims to inspire and develop future professionals in the global red meat industry.

More than 130 participants from universities across Australia as well as from the United States and Japan will hear from industry leaders including Australian Meat Processor Corporation General Manager of Research, Development and Adoption Edwina Toohey (right) and Australian Pork Limited CEO Margo Andrae who kicked off the seminar program this morning.

Their presentations, focused on innovation and sustainability, set the tone for the event which provides unparallelled opportunity for tertiary students to learn about the meat industry supply chain, develop their meat science skills and explore the vast career pathways it offers.

ICMJ President Dr Peter McGilchrist said the event is an eye-opening experience for many students.

“We often hear ICMJ alumni talk about how pivotal this event can be in terms of their future career direction and I’m certain this year’s participants will be no different,” Dr McGilchrist said.

“Many of the students that come to the ICMJ National Conference arrive here with limited understanding of the incredible opportunities on offer and the breadth of the challenges in the meat industry.

“This week is all about connecting them with the information, skills, people and organisations that can open up a whole world of possibility for them,” he said.

The seminar program will also feature presentations from experienced industry experts including Meat and Livestock Australia adoption and commercial services manager, Sarah Strachan, Australian Country Choice research development and innovation manager Paul Gibson, meat science Professor Markus Miller from Texas Tech University and Dr Michael Campbell from Legendairy Beef.

The event includes workshops, professional development sessions and the ICMJ National Careers Expo where the country’s top meat industry employers have the opportunity to meet and recruit some of the country’s most motivated agriculture graduates.

Agrisciences Research and Business Park (AgriPark) Executive Director Mr Nick Pagett said Charles Sturt in Wagga Wagga is excited to host the conference for the 12th year.

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

“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.”

The four-day program culminates in the ICMJ National Meat Judging Competition at Teys Wagga Wagga on Saturday, followed by the Gala Awards Dinner Saturday evening.

The top performers in the national competition are eligible for selection to represent Australia on a tour of the United States red meat industry and compete in a US ICMJ competition in early 2025.

The ICMJ National Conference is supported by ICMJ foundation partners Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) and the Australian Meat Processor Corporation (AMPC) as well as Teys Australia, Greenstock, Australian Pork Limited, JBS Australia, NH Foods, Rimfire Resources, Fletcher International, Australian Meat Group, Kilcoy Global Foods, Fulton Market Group, Angus Australia, Linley Valley Pork, Sunpork Group, Charles Sturt University, Gundagai Lamb, Rivalea Australia, Cattle Australia, Allflex, Hewitt and Beef Central.

More than 3,000 people have taken part in the ICMJ program over its 35-year history.

• For more information about ICMJ, visit www.icmj.com.au