Bindaree backs future red meat leaders through three-year ICMJ partnership

Inverell’s Bindaree Food Group has announced a three-year partnership with the Australian Intercollegiate Meat Judging Association (ICMJ), reinforcing its commitment to building the next generation of red meat industry professionals.

The partnership, running from 2026 to 2028, will see Bindaree serve as a key sponsor at two major ICMJ events each year — the Northern Conference in Rockhampton in April and the National Conference in Wagga Wagga in July.

For Bindaree, which operates significant processing facilities in Inverell and is one of the New England’s major employers, the agreement signals a continued investment in skills development and long-term industry capability.

ICMJ is a not-for-profit organisation focused on educating and inspiring students and young professionals to pursue careers across the red meat supply chain. Through judging competitions, conferences and international study tours, the association provides hands-on exposure to processing, retail, and supply chain operations.

Australian Intercollegiate Meat Judging Association president Dr Peter McGilchrist said strong industry backing was critical to the program’s success.

“ICMJ is about preparing people for the future of the red meat industry. Support from forward-looking businesses like Bindaree helps us give participants meaningful exposure to the supply chain and the careers that exist within it.”

Bindaree chief people officer Rowen Winsor said the partnership aligned closely with the company’s focus on developing talent within its own ranks and across the broader sector.

“ICMJ provides genuine insight into our industry and the opportunities within it. Supporting learning and development aligns closely with how we think about growing our people at Bindaree.”

Beyond the conference sponsorships, Bindaree is also the naming co-sponsor of the 2026 ICMJ Asia Tour, which commenced next week. The two-week program will take participants to Japan, China and Indonesia, offering first-hand exposure to global meat markets and supply chains through visits to retailers, distributors and processing operations.

In another first for the Inverell-headquartered business, Bindaree will enter a team in the ICMJ Meat Judging Competition in Rockhampton in April. The team will include the company’s two 2026 Supply Chain Graduates, who joined earlier this year.

“We’re focused on the future, and ICMJ provides a real link between education and the hands-on experience that builds confidence early in a career. That connection really matters to us.” Winsor said.

The move strengthens Bindaree’s role in shaping industry pathways for young professionals, at a time when workforce attraction and retention remain pressing issues for regional processors across the New England and wider beef sector.