By Emily Steer | April 2026
For many southern-based agriculture students, exposure to Australia’s northern beef industry is hard to come by. Despite its major role in the nation’s red meat supply chain, the scale of this sector can be difficult to grasp from the classroom alone. Recently in Rockhampton, the Intercollegiate Meat Judging (ICMJ) Northern Conference opened that door for four Adelaide University students, offering a firsthand look at a very different production system.
The week offered a rich, hands on introduction to the workings of the northern beef supply chain. Through a blend of presentations, workshops and site visits, participants saw how each stage of the supply chain connects to deliver beef to both domestic and international markets. The experience also highlighted the breadth of career pathways across the sector, spanning producers, processors, exporters and more. Hearing directly from industry professionals reinforced the value of innovation, adaptability and a strong understanding of market demands — all essential for maintaining Australia’s competitive global position.
A key focus of the conference was developing practical, industry related skills. Hands-on judging activities, including the “hoof and hook” competition and final assessments at Teys Australia, challenged students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. Evaluating live cattle, carcases and retail cuts under time pressure demanded both technical expertise and confident decision making, the kind of skills that are difficult to fully replicate in a classroom environment. Beyond the technical aspects, the conference also encouraged personal development, with sessions focused on mindset, resilience and career progression. Valued attributes for those entering the agricultural sector.
Networking was another major component of the week. The Industry and Careers Expo, along with conference events, provided the chance to connect with producers, processors and other industry representatives. These conversations offered valuable insight into career pathways and helped build connections within the industry. There are ongoing opportunities for students to join the Adelaide University ICMJ team, with places currently available for students wanting to attend the National Conference held in Wagga Wagga from the 30 June to the 4 July, 2026. For those interested please contact Rachael Withers (rachael.withers@adelaide.edu.au) for more information.
Notably, two participants from Adelaide were recognised for their achievements, with Joseph Lawrence from Thomas Foods International receiving the Industry Award in Commercial Evaluation, and Cameron Stewart from Adelaide University winning the University award for Commercial Evaluation.
Opportunities like the ICMJ Northern Conference play an important role in preparing students for industry by building practical skills, confidence and professional connections. Experiences like this would not be possible without the support of our coach, Rachel Withers, and our generous sponsors the Show Society Foundation, Sunpork, the Davies Livestock Research Centre and Thomas Foods International. Thank you for making these incredible opportunities accessible to students.
Find out more about the Ag Institute of Australia here: https://www.aginstitute.com.au/. Access state based Student Compendiums here.
