Although Bob McCain (as he preferred to be called) gained distinction as the result of his activities in many enterprises, he was best known in agricultural circles as a successful breeder of Holstein cattle and Standardbred horses; an active cattle and potato exporter; and a leading food processing innovator.

Prior to being dispersed in 1975, the McCain Holstein herd established many production and show ring awards at leading Maritime fairs and at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. His successes in these fields served to stimulate interest in Holstein cattle and in breed improvement throughout the Maritimes and eventually led to the formation of McCain Sales Limited.

Under his guidance, this organization developed into an important agency in promoting sales of Holstein cattle, both at home and abroad.

While serving as secretary-treasurer of McCain Produce Limited, he was instrumental in establishing markets for table stock and seed potatoes in Europe, South America and the Caribbean.

In addition, he was one of the originators of a major frozen food industry for New Brunswick and lived to see his idea developed and expanded into a world-wide enterprise.