Industry Impact Study - Intercollegiate Meat Judy Competition

Summary

The Australian Intercollegiate Meat Judging Association (ICMJ) Inc is a not-for-profit association with the objective of injecting intelligent, trained and enthusiastic graduates into industry to increase future capacity and competitiveness. Since 1990, more than 2,000 undergraduates from 30 tertiary education institutions have had the opportunity to be exposed and motivated by the many career opportunities the industry offers. The ICMJ program plays an important role as an industry capability building program for the entire red meat value chain. This is done through:Exposing students to the fundamentals of meat quality educationDemonstrating to students how and why markets perceive meat quality differently and highlighting the various carcase specifications required by these marketsExposing students to different systems of meat identification and classificationProviding training and a non-threatening competitive environment to assist students develop confidence and communication skills Providing an opportunity for students to acquire and apply knowledge of practical aspects of meat scienceRaising students' awareness of career opportunities that exist in the meat industryExposing students to the requirements of the end-user (consumer)Exposing student to new technologies within the meat industry.
During the recent project from 2011- 2016, five annual forums were held for over 700 tertiary students and coaches. During the time of this project, almost 100 students were selected for further industry development and training with 20 students selected to be part of the Australian teams each year that travelled to the US to compete in meat judging competitions as well as experience an extensive industry tour. Additionally the ICMJ Association conducted 15 secondary school meat judging competitions involving almost 2,000 students.
A survey conducted in 2016 has demonstrated the ability of the ICMJ program to be an effective employee pipeline for meat and livestock companies. 100% of survey respondents who have finished studying are employed in the industry. 20% work in the processing industry, 42% in primary and seed stock production, 12% in research & extension, 9% in agricultural education and 17% work across the rest of the supply chain.