Julie Durocher: Family matters

In the Durocher family, work is a family matter. Julie has held her position at Sollio Agriculture for 10 years, and for the last few of them, she’s gotten to work with her son Marc-Olivier. Every day, the mother-son duo work side by side attending to the cooperative’s poultry farms.

Agriculture: Like mother, like son

For Julie, it was no surprise when her son decided to follow in her footsteps.

“I come from an agricultural background in vegetable farming. I grew up on a farm, and my grandfather owned 350 arpents of land. I was born in farming! We’ve always worked with animals, and we love it. It’s the same for Marc-Olivier, it’s part of who he is. And he has always loved chickens.”

Marc-Oliver concurs:

“Sometimes, we’re like an old couple, you know how family is! We get along well, and even though she’s my mom, we put that aside when it’s time to work. We’ve developed a routine, a method for our work. We make working together efficient and fun.”

The Durochers put animal welfare above all else, and their work means very much to both of them.

“It all started with my internship, which I loved. I have a soft spot for chickens, and I already knew I wanted to work in agriculture. Since I had a difficult time in school, I really had to prove myself. Today, I’m a labourer, and I support my mother in her role as a manager. When she isn’t there, I take her place. I look after the chickens and make sure they have everything they need. Hen well-being always comes before egg production. We love our job, and we work about six or seven days a week. Being a ‘workaholic’ definitely runs in the family!”

The right people at the right time

Julie and Marc-Olivier both say they owe their careers to the connections they have made with their colleagues. For Julie, it’s all about timing.

“I met the right people at the right time. One who comes to mind is Christian Roy, with whom I have developed a really great working relationship. And I’m grateful every day that my path crossed with Jean-Michel’s. It’s thanks to him that my son works here. He has always believed in us. The people here all share our values: mutual support and perseverance.”