Wondering who are the people working behind the scenes at Prograin? In this article, we’ll introduce you to Catherine Tétrault, one of our valued employees.
Hi Catherine. What do you do at Prograin and how long have you been working here?
I’m a research technician, and I’ve been working here for a little over two and a half years.
Did you complete any specific program in order to do this job?
I completed a program in animal husbandry at the Institut de technologie agroalimentaire (ITA) in Saint-Hyacinthe. My courses included animal and plant reproduction.
Did you know anything about soybeans before you began working at Prograin?
In my last year at the ITA, I did an internship at the CRAAQ (Centre de référence en agriculture et agroalimentaire du Québec). During my time there, I handled soybeans and corn.
Then, I got a contract at another research facility, working with the soybean team. So, when I started at Prograin, I already had a certain amount of knowledge and experience on that subject, but I soon realized that I still had a lot to learn about this plant. The research is evolving rapidly, and I’m still learning every day.
Did you know about Prograin before you began working there?
Yes, I knew a little bit about Prograin, but I didn’t know that the company had a research facility. A friend told me about the job opportunity at Prograin. It was only after I began working here that I really got to know the company.
What do you think sets Prograin apart from other companies?
Prograin is a company that’s always looking for ways to improve itself, and to meet the demand for new seed varieties. The company meets producers’ needs by offering varieties that are tailored to the new products that become available, to new technologies, and to the constantly changing climate.
In your opinion, what words best describe Prograin’s corporate culture?
First of all, I’d have to say innovation, because Prograin is always trying to come up with new methods in order to improve its processes and stay abreast of market developments. Excellence, performance and efficiency are three more words that I feel really define the company, which is constantly striving to give its clients the very best.
What do you like about your job?
I enjoy many aspects of my job. First of all, I get to work on a number of different jobs that change throughout the year, such as preparing seedlings, crossbreeding, taking samples for genotyping, collecting data, harvesting, and so on. Another plus is that we work outside for more than half the year. I love that I get to spend so much time outdoors!
What motivates you?
To be honest, there’s not much I don’t like about my job. I’ m excited to go to work every day at Prograin. The work atmosphere is also great. Since everything starts with research, my job is very rewarding for me.
What’s your biggest day-to-day challenge?
The biggest challenge I have to deal with on a daily basis is to try to get a little better, each and every day. I also have to absorb a lot of information, since there’s a lot to know about this crop and all the related aspects.
Last question: where might we see you outside of work?
Four years ago, I began playing dekhockey, I really love it. I’m always up for trying or playing any sport!
Agriculture has been my focus for about 10 years now. I chose to study in this field because it’s something I’m very passionate about. My boyfriend owns a dairy farm; whenever I can, I like to go there and lend a hand.
Thanks for telling us a bit about yourself, Catherine.