University of Queensland meat judging students have won a fifth consecutive Northern Conference university team title and finished national runner-up for the fifth year running.
UQ Intercollegiate Meat Judging (ICMJ) President Lucy Newman said the association had achieved exceptional results at both the Northern and National conferences in 2026.
“Securing our fifth consecutive Northern Conference Championship and fifth consecutive National Runner-Up title is an incredible achievement and a testament to the consistency and commitment of our students, coaches and committee over many years,” Ms Newman said.
ICMJ brings university students and young industry professionals together at two week-long conferences each year, combining the judging of beef, lamb, pork and goat carcases with industry workshops and networking.
“For many agricultural students, ICMJ offers opportunities and industry exposure that extend well beyond what is traditionally available through their university degrees,” Ms Newman said.
She said the secret to UQ’s success was its people.
“I believe the secret to UQ’s continued success lies in the incredible dedication of our coaches, committee and students, who consistently go above and beyond to support one another,” Ms Newman said.
“One aspect I am particularly proud of is our members’ willingness to give back, with several students volunteering alongside me to mentor and train high school students in meat judging.”
Ms Newman said the program also strengthened students’ university studies.
“ICMJ provides students with practical industry knowledge that complements their university studies and strengthens their understanding of meat science, carcase evaluation and the broader red meat supply chain,” she said.
“Perhaps most importantly, the industry connections established through ICMJ can open doors to future research collaborations, employment opportunities and continued professional development.”
Looking ahead, Ms Newman said the association hoped to keep building on its record.
“I would love to see the association continue building on its success, hopefully securing a sixth consecutive Northern Conference Champion University Team title and ultimately achieving the National Champion University Team title,” she said.
“However, beyond the competition results, my greatest hope is that every student who participates in UQ ICMJ walks away with greater confidence, lasting industry connections and a genuine appreciation for the opportunities available within the red meat industry.”
At the Northern Conference, Charlie Lawler, Ella Watkins, Paige Edwards and Montana Sanderson were crowned Champion University Team.
Charlie Lawler also claimed individual champion honours in beef judging, overall questions, commercial evaluation, and retail cuts and saleable items identification, with a perfect 200/200 in the latter.
Ella Watkins was individual runner-up in retail cuts and saleable items identification, while Paige Edwards and Ms Newman were selected for the inaugural Southern Small Stock Industry Tour.
At the National Conference, Charlie Lawler, Lucy Newman, Hannah Johnson and Montana Sanderson won the Champion University Team titles in pork judging, lamb judging, and retail cut and saleable item identification.
Charlie Lawler was also individual champion in retail cut and saleable item identification and runner-up in pork judging, while Ms Newman finished fourth in the pork individual event.
Charlie Lawler, Hannah Johnson and Molly Smith have since been selected to represent Australia on the ICMJ USA Tour in December and January.
