Col. Robert McEwen was a distinguished breeder of Aberdeen Angus cattle and Southdown sheep, who on many occasions, gained distinction for himself and brought honour to Canada by winning championships in the Carlot Lamb classes at the Chicago International.

Aside from affairs connected with the management of his own enterprise he took an active part in the organization of enterprises, which have become national institutions. Included in the positions which he occupied were the following: charter director of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair; president of the Canadian Co-Operative Wool Growers Limited; president of the Ontario Provincial Winter Fair and chairman of the Ontario Stallion Enrolment Board.