YOUNG people interested or who have already started a career in the red meat industry are being encouraged sign on for the inaugural Intercollegiate Meat Judging Northern Beef Competition.
The northern event – which includes a training conference, is being hosted by CQUniversity Australia and Teys Australia in Rockhampton on April 25-27.
Until now, ICMJ has run only one tertiary competition each year at Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW. That event attracts students from across Australia and overseas with training spread across beef, lamb and pork.
Competition coordinator Ethan Mooney from Teys Australia, said the new event had been created to cater especially to the needs of the northern beef industry. It would help attract skilled workers and equip them with a comprehensive knowledge of the factors influencing meat quality, he said.
We have opened up the northern conference event to include not just university students, but also the vocational training sector as well as young staff working in pastoral companies or agribusinesses.
- Ethan Mooney, Intercollegiate Meat Judging Northern Beef Competition.
“We have opened up the northern conference event to include not just university students, but also the vocational training sector as well as young staff working in pastoral companies or agribusinesses,” Mr Mooney said.
“The aim is to build the pool of intelligent young meat industry representatives through a balanced mix of industry presentations, hands-on workshops, field tutorials, and a competition.
“This is a great opportunity for young people just starting out in the beef industry to gain new skills and network with industry leaders and potential employers.”
The Australian ICMJ Association was established to “inspire and develop future professionals in the global red meat industry”. Now in its 30th year, the not for profit organisation has successfully linked countless university graduates to careers in the red meat industry.
CQUniversity agriculture spokesman Michael Thomson said the new northern beef event would open up the benefits of ICMJ participation to more people than ever.
“While registrations are open to people from all over Australia wanting to work in the beef industry, numbers are limited and preference will be given to applicants from Northern Australia,” Mr Thomson said.
“We want to make sure that those who attend are passionate about the northern beef industry and want to drive its future success on the global stage.”
CLICK HERE to register for the conference. The $120 registration fee includes meals and accommodation.
Contact Ethan Mooney or Chloe Gould for more information.