02 Jul Next-gen red meat professionals connect with industry experts at 2026 ICMJ National Conference
The future of the Australian red meat industry is on display this week as university students from across Australia, Japan, and the United States gather alongside young industry professionals for the 2026 Intercollegiate Meat Judging (ICMJ) National Conference and Competition.
Now in its 36th year, the five-day intensive program serves as the premier launchpad for the next generation of red meat industry leaders. This year’s event includes seminars, workshops, a careers expo, networking opportunities and the ICMJ National Meat Judging Competition which will include goat judging for the very first time.
ICMJ President and University of New England Professor of meat science, Dr Peter McGilchrist said the 2026 program reflects the accelerated pace of change within the sector.
“The industry our students are entering is vastly different from even just a few years ago,” Professor McGilchrist said.
“This week isn’t just about developing meat judging skills, it’s about equipping students and young industry professionals to navigate changes including the integration of AI in processing, advancements in methane-mitigating genetics, and the sophisticated data requirements of our global export partners.”
The conference agenda features a high-level lineup of industry leaders, including Melissa Fletcher from Fletcher International Exports, Ripley Atkinson from StoneX, Dr Ben Holman from Charles Sturt University, Dr Michael Lee from MLA, Stuart Bisley from Teys Australia, Luke Leyson from Schlenk Smallgoods, World Champion butcher Brett Laws, Professor Mark Miller from Texas Tech University and more.
This year’s event has again seen record registrations with 160 total participants.
“The ICMJ mission is to attract, develop and inspire future meat industry professionals and it’s wonderful to see the level of interest and enthusiasm continue to grow each year,” Professor McGilchrist said.
“The passion that ICMJ alumni bring to the table is one of our industry’s greatest assets.”
The ICMJ National Conference is held at Charles Sturt University’s Wagga Wagga campus and Teys Australia Wagga Wagga processing facility.
CSU value chain researcher and Program Lead for Agricultural Innovation in the Gulbali Institute for Agriculture, Water and the Environment Professor Jane Quinn said CSU was proud to host the ICMJ National Conference for the ICMJ for the 12th year in a row.
“Our regional location, in close proximity to key industry partners such as Teys, JBS, and GMP means that Charles Sturt Wagga Wagga provides an authentic and integrated location for the ICMJ National Conference and Competition,” Professor Quinn said.
The ICMJ National Careers Expo will also be held on Thursday evening at The Range Function Centre, connecting participants with more than 40 meat and livestock industry organisations and countless career opportunities.
The Thomas Foods International ICMJ National Gala Awards Dinner will be held at Wagga Wagga RSL Club on Saturday night, where individual and team meat judging champions will be crowned, and the industry will toast the next wave of professionals ready to drive the sector forward.
The ICMJ National Conference is supported by foundational partners Meat and Livestock Australia and Australian Meat Processor Corporation. It is also supported by a range of industry partners including Teys Australia, Australian Pork Limited, Thomas Foods International, JBS Australia, NH Foods, Australian Poll Dorset Association, Fletcher International Exports, Australian Meat Group, Bindaree Food Group, Rimfire Resources, Australian Meat Industry Council, Aus-Meat, Australian Country Choice, Harvest Road (Harvey Beef), Greenham, Stockyard Beef, Gundagai Lamb, Sunpork, Charles Sturt University.