Australian ICMJ Team Shines at National Western Meat Judging Contest

The Australian ICMJ team has won Reserve National Champion Team at the National Western Meat Judging Contest in Denver, Colorado.

The Australian ICMJ team brought home the Reserve National Champion Team award from the National Western Meat Judging Contest held in Denver, Colorado, showcasing some of their best results to date.

Meet the Team

The five-member team comprises:

• Piper Christensen – University of Queensland
• Will Lawrence – University of Queensland
• Penelope Crothers – Marcus Oldham College
• Sarah Bradfield – University of New England
• Zoe Skinner – Murdoch University

They not only excelled as a team but also secured first place in the Lamb Judging and Total Placings categories.

Zoe Skinner was named Reserve Individual Champion.

Individual Achievements

Zoe Skinner stood out as the best-performing Australian team member, earning several prestigious individual awards including:

• Reserve Individual Champion Overall
• Beef Grading High Individual
• 3rd Place in Beef Judging
• Total Beef High Individual
• Lamb High Individual

The Importance of Meat Judging

Meat judging not only involves assessing beef, lamb, and pork carcasses but also emphasizes key attributes like eating quality, yield, marbling, trimness, and muscling. These skills are invaluable across the global meat industry, exemplifying the ICMJ program as a recognized entry pathway into this field.

Through this program, participants enhance various competencies such as time management, decision-making, teamwork, critical thinking, communication, and networking.

Training and Preparation

The 2026 Australian ICMJ team was selected following the ICMJ AUS-MEAT Intensive Industry Education and Development Program in Southeast Queensland last September. This program included 20 agriculture and veterinary science students from various universities.

Coaches Aimee Bolton, Jake Bourlet, and Ellie Hays expressed immense pride in the team’s performance. Ms. Bolton remarked, “The meat judging circuit in the United States is highly competitive and many students spend months preparing for these competitions. It’s a significant challenge for our Australian students to learn the USDA yield and quality grading systems in just weeks.”

Industry Connections and Future Opportunities

The ongoing US industry tour allows students to connect with major importers of Australian meat products and observe the journey of their products to American consumers. The team has toured major processors, feedlots, ranches, and meat science departments across Texas and engaged with representatives from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

With numerous stops planned across Oklahoma and Colorado, including visits to the Denver Stock Show and various dairy operations, the students will also have the chance to undertake further industry placements in the US.

The ICMJ program receives support from foundational partners, including Meat & Livestock Australia and the Australian Meat Processor Corporation, along with various industry partners.