For Isabelle Dorion, contributing to the farming industry is a real-life mission. “It’s a noble calling: we help feed the world,” she says. As Territory Manager – Farm Animals at Vetoquinol, she travels throughout Eastern Quebec year-round to meet veterinary partners. It’s a demanding profession, but one in which she thrives. Here’s what a busy day looks like—in her own words.

5:30 AM

I wake up in my hotel room in Rimouski, just in time to catch the sunrise over the Appalachian peaks. Coffee in hand, I open my laptop and take a quick look at the emails already piling up: replies to my follow-up requests, questions about product availability, posts about new products in our internal group chat…

After a quick shower, I get ready—hair, makeup, my favourite outfit—and review my document one last time: a big business breakfast is coming up.

7 AM

When the first vets enter the local diner’s private room, I’ve already set up my slides and projector. I recognize some familiar faces and am pleased to see a few new ones as well.

Trying not to get distracted by the comings and goings—or the pervasive smell of bacon—I present the results of the Achieve 25 % + Together program: best practices to help improve the pregnancy rate of dairy cows. It’s much more than a pitch to boost performance indicators—it’s a tangible way to help farmers feed their communities even better, one animal at a time. It’s all about maximizing the resources they already have.

The group is engaged and asking excellent questions. I see their eyes light up with exciting new possibilities and ways to grow their practice. I love these conversations.

9 AM

Back alone in the restaurant, I take detailed notes from the post-meeting discussions while everything’s still fresh in my mind. Who wants the latest clinical trial results? Who has a question for our team of veterinary technicians? Following up on these small requests—quickly and reliably—is how we earn people’s trust.

9:45 AM

I hit the road along Route 132 toward my next stop in Rivière-du-Loup, about a hundred kilometres away. I’m always amazed at the beauty of the Bas-Saint-Laurent, where the river stretches wide and the far shore barely shows on the horizon. It puts everything in perspective.

11 AM

I arrive at my destination: a family dairy farm, where I’m accompanying a veterinary partner on a consultation. It’s a beautiful stretch of land nestled between the hills, where cows graze, watching us with quiet curiosity. There’s something soothing about being here—mud on my boots, the smell of the herd in the air. This is where my roots are. Animals have always been part of my life.

I listen and observe the vet, getting to know her. I also take the opportunity to speak directly with the producers. I share information about our Club Vetoquinol loyalty program, including how the points system works and the rewards available to members.

12 PM

I accompany the vet to a friendly village bistro. Between spoonfuls of soup and bites of grilled cheese, we talk about upcoming innovations, industry trends, and growth targets—but also about our families and travel plans. Real trust is built between people in moments like these.

1:30 PM

I check my emails before hitting the road again. One clinic has an urgent question about a product. Another needs clarification about how two drugs interact.

2 PM

I get on the Trans-Canada Highway to begin the long journey back to our head office, just in time for tomorrow’s strategy retreat. Somewhere on the way to Chaudière-Appalaches, I spot an eagle circling over the fields. It reminds me of the condors in Ecuador—just much smaller!—where I studied veterinary medicine for a few years. These moments of introspection between appointments are like a breath of fresh air.

3:30 PM

About halfway through the journey, I make a quick stop at a long-standing partner clinic. The vets are rarely available at this hour, but I take the opportunity to catch up with the technicians and receptionist— the people who handle the day-to-day operations. I ensure everything is running smoothly with the inventory, answer any outstanding questions, and, most importantly, take the time to say hello. These little informal visits strengthen our bonds.

4:45 PM

Parked at a rest area, I get out to stretch my legs and call a colleague at head office.

5:30 PM

I stop at a café to let the rush hour in Quebec City pass. I take advantage of the good Wi-Fi to write up and submit my reports for the day. I jot down the topics we discussed, the needs expressed, and the commitments I made.

The admin side of the job isn’t the most exciting, but I take it seriously. Having managed my own businesses before, I know how much every follow-up counts.

9 PM

The last few kilometres go by, and I finally make it home. I breathe a sigh of relief as I take off my boots. I check my laptop one last time, scan my emails, and review tomorrow’s to-do list. I close the screen, satisfied that I’ve given it my all. I ease into my usual end-of-day routine: a bit of quiet, a moment to unwind. Tired from a full day’s effort, I know I’ll be asleep before my head even hits the pillow.

This job asks a lot, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.