PERTH, AUSTRALIA — Grains Australia Ltd. (GAL) announced on Feb. 4 that it has named Megan Sheehy to the newly established role of general manager, classification.

Terry Enright, chairman of GAL, said the new role was a key executive position within GAL and will be responsible for the coordination and delivery of Australia’s grain variety classification outcomes.

“This role will ensure the framework for a robust, market-oriented classification system for all grains that is supported and understood by the entire grains value chain,” Enright said. “Megan comes into the role with 20 years’ experience in the industry and has overseen Australia’s barley industry classification processes as executive chair and manager of Barley Australia for the past six years.

“One of Megan’s first tasks will be to support and maintain the established technical structures and processes of grain classification as GAL finalizes the integration of Wheat Quality Australia into the new company and, in the near future, other industry organizations responsible for classification.”

Maintaining and improving Australia’s classification system for grains was one of four key objectives defined by the Grains Research and Development Corp. (GRDC) when establishing GAL with the support of the industry.

“While we have begun with wheat, integration of classification activities across all grains into one entity will enhance efficiencies following significant past GRDC and industry investment in this area, so it is something we are strongly working toward,” he said.

Sheehy said she was looking forward to the opportunity of ensuring the successful integration of the wheat classification system into GAL, along with the potential for other grains.

“This will be a great experience to work with GAL board, stakeholders and commodity councilors to manage and enhance the established grain classification systems and, when appropriate, extend successful platforms across other grains,” Sheehy said.