Sollio Agriculture team: Meet Emily McKenna

Having grown up on a dairy farm, Emily McKenna knows what farmers need—and how important their work is. That’s why, as an animal nutrition advisor, she comes to work every day eager to do her part.

Question: What exactly does an animal nutrition advisor do?
Answer: In a nutshell, I help farmers make sure their animals get the nutrition they need. No two days are the same—I balance rations, visit farmers to give them advice, all sorts of things. I mainly work with dairy farmers, but sometimes beef farmers as well.

Question: Do you have a responsibility or achievement that you’re particularly proud of?
Answer: There isn’t any one thing that stands out. What I’m most proud of is helping farmers reach their goals—whether it’s meeting their quota or improving certain aspects of their production. Every time one of my farmers succeeds, it’s a proud moment for me too.

Question: What motivates you in your career at Sollio Agriculture?
Answer: Joining Sollio Agriculture was a big decision for me. At one point, I thought I’d keep working on my mom and stepdad’s dairy farm. But when I learned I could help other farmers by working here, I was immediately intrigued. I decided to give it a try, and I ended up loving it!

That’s still what motivates me today: making a difference for more and more farmers every day.

Question: Which company value inspires you the most?
Answer: Sustainability. Between the economy and climate change, it’s getting harder and harder for farmers to do their jobs. We have to remember that they’re the ones who put food on our plates!

Question: Now for a few rapid-fire questions. What do you like to do outside of work?
Answer: I help out a little on the family farm, and my husband and I own a construction company. We’re building a house, so when I’m not working… I’m still working! Ha!

Question: How would your friends describe you?
Answer: I think they’d say I’m outgoing. Organized and always busy, too.

Question: If you could do another job for a day, what would it be?
Answer: I’d be a large animal veterinarian, like my dad and my mom.

Question: What was the last book you read?
Answer: Oh boy… I haven’t picked up a book in a long time! The last thing I read was probably a scientific article on dairy farming.

Question: If you could listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Answer: I Get to Love You by RUELLE.

Question: What’s your favourite food?
Answer: Homemade ice cream cake.

Question: Who’s your most inspiring colleague?
Answer: All my colleagues are inspiring in their own way, but if I had to choose someone from the Sollio Agriculture network, it would be Nicolas Marquis or Philippe Couture for their incredible expertise.

Question: What advice would you give new employees starting out at Sollio Agriculture?
Answer: Don’t be afraid to ask questions.