University of Queensland (UQ) student Anthony Rosser celebrated more than just his graduation at the UQ Gatton campus last week.
Anthony also scored a place on a Meat Standards Australia (MSA) scholarship tour of the US in January 2006.
70 students competed in the 16th annual Intercollegiate Meat Judging (ICMJ) contest, sponsored by MSA, with a further 10 students completing MSA training and five finalists including Anthony, selected to go on the US scholarship tour.
During the competition students assessed beef, lamb and pork carcases according to cut and quality as well as beef and lamb retail cuts.
Meat Standards Australia manager Cameron Dart said he was very impressed with the high standard of applicants this year, with 10 students successfully completing an MSA course in Brisbane last week.
"Five students will tour the US to gain an understanding of the USDA grading system and processing regimes as well as to compete against US students at the National Western Stock Show in Denver," Mr Dart said.
"A rewarding aspect of the competition is that many past competitors are today employed within the red meat industry, with many extending their careers in the processing, lotfeeding, retail, trade and R&D sectors," Mr Dart said.
Bachelor of Applied Science (Animal Studies) graduate Anthony Rosser said he was looking forward to the practical experience he will gain from the US tour.
“The tour will be a great opportunity to compare the differences between Australia and the US’s grading, production and processing facilities, especially the sheer volume,” Mr Rosser said.
“This tour will further my career within the red meat industry, I am very appreciative and would like to thank everyone who trained me including the UQ Gatton Cattleman’s Club and MSA."
Since 1990, 1200 students have competed in the ICMJ contest, with 75 students travelling to the US and nine touring Japan and Korea. UQ students have participated in many of these tours.
Media inquiries: Susanne Schick - UQ Gatton Campus (5460 1229, 0409 265 587).
Further information/comment: Contact Cameron Dart, MSA Manager (3620 5201, 0419 713 688) Anthony Rosser (0402 615 612, 5426 4762).
