Marcus Meat Judging Overview
Meat Judging at Marcus Oldham is a fully student-led, extracurricular program. Alongside full-time studies, students dedicate early mornings and afternoons to engage with leading meat processors, hear from industry professionals, and develop a comprehensive understanding of the Australian and global red meat industry.
Through the Marcus Oldham Meat Judging program, students have the opportunity to attend at the Australian Intercollegiate Meat Judging Association (ICMJ) conferences, with student participation dating as far back as the early 1990s. The program has continued to grow and evolve over the years, reflecting the strong legacy built by past coaches and students involved in ICMJ.
The ICMJ conferences aim to inspire and develop future professionals in the broader red meat and livestock industries in Australia and internationally. They equip attendees with industry-specific knowledge and practical skills across the red meat and pork supply chain, enabling informed management and commercial decision-making. The conferences also seek to raise awareness of career pathways and networking opportunities through the likes of career expos and guest speakers. Attendees are exposed to emerging technologies and operational capabilities within the sector through various workshops, while developing a strong understanding of Australia’s role in the global beef supply chain.
ICMJ runs two conferences each year: the Northern Conference in Rockhampton for university and industry teams and the National Conference in Wagga Wagga, for university teams from around Australia and internationally, including Japan and America.
The Marcus team aims to attend both annual conferences, with students walking away with knowledge, skills, awareness of sector opportunities and strong networks and connections. Over the years, Marcus have also been competitive, having students win individual and team ribbons, be shortlisted for America, attending Industry Week in Brisbane, and America on the National team.
Coaches report: April 2026
Recently, the 2026 Marcus Oldham Meat Judging team of 20 students travelled to Rockhampton to participate in the four-day Northern ICMJ Conference.
The conference was an incredible experience for the group, offering opportunities to engage in practical workshops such as carcass breakdowns, leadership development, and a careers expo featuring 26 leading agribusinesses. Students gained valuable insights, strengthened their practical skills, and networked with 140 university and industry professionals, building meaningful connections across Australia. The program also featured 13 guest speakers, including Marcus alumni Kari Moffat (AAM – FM17 & HBM13). In addition, industry representatives delivered presentations on their career journeys and perspectives on the future of the red meat sector, highlighting a further three Marcus alumni: Charlotte Hood (AACo – AG25), Harriet Taylor (AAM – AG23), and Tim Mitchell (Condabri Beef – FM20).
To top off an excellent week, the team delivered an outstanding performance, walking away with several awards, including:
- Runner up individual for overall placings – Georgina Russ (AG1)
- Champion individual for overall placings – Eliza Mactaggart (FM1)
- Champion team for overall placings – Marcus Oldham, made up of Frank Bundock (AG2), Eliza Mactaggart (FM1), Abbey Staines (AG1), and Georgina Gough (AG2).
- Runner up individual for beef judging – Georgina Russ (AG1)
- Champion team for beef judging – Marcus Oldham, made up of Frank Bundock (AG2), Eliza Mactaggart (FM1), Abbey Staines (AG1), and Georgina Gough (AG2).
- Runner up team hoof & hook – Marcus Oldham
We finished just 182 points short of being named champion team – an outstanding result given the limited access students get to abattoirs and red meat for training. Notably, many other competing universities and industry competitors also benefit from students who have been studying red meat and meat science for several years prior.
Coaches nominated Jessica Wright (FM3) and Angus Gourley (AG2) for the ICMJ Southern Industry Tour, where they will be interviewed for selection into a group of 10 to further develop their understanding of southern production systems, alongside ICMJ committee members.
Beyond this, the team consistently displayed a high level of professionalism, a genuine eagerness to learn, and a strong willingness to ask questions, build networks, and step outside their comfort zones throughout the week.
Throughout the year, we hope to add to the successes, and build on the legacy of the Marcus Oldham Meat Judging Team through continued participation in the ICMJ competitions. We also aim to connect more closely with our exclusive red meat supply chain partners both to benefit our knowledge for competitions and engage with you as our key stakeholders in the industry.
Team list: Abbey Staines, Angus Gourley, Archie Davidson, Carlee Clews, Eliza Mactaggart, Emma Arnott, Frank Bundock, Georgie Gough, Georgina Russ, James Downie, Jessica Wright, Jock Triggs, Lockie Mactaggart, Michael Bradford, Tim Chandler, Will Killen, Zach Lane
Coaches: Tom Kelly, Mollie McGrath, Penny Crothers
Attending these conferences outside the intensive academic calendar come at a significant financial cost and time for the students and without the support of sponsors, these opportunities would simply not be possible.
For sponsors, this represents not only an opportunity to support the next generation of industry leaders, but also a chance to build meaningful relationships with Marcus Oldham students, with connections that may lead to future placements, employment prospects and other business opportunities.
Thanks to S. Kidman Clothing for generously sponsoring the team uniforms, providing students with a strong sense of pride and professionalism.
A sincere thank you to the 2026 Meat Judging sponsors:
- Ironbark Beef
- Greenstock
A sincere appreciation also goes to the ICMJ committee members, who have dedicated countless hours to ensuring the conference delivers meaningful and lasting impacts for students.
