Hon. James Duncan McGregor, internationally known stock breeder, was born in Amherstburg, Ontario and educated in Windsor. He came west to Brandon in 1877 to pioneer in Aberdeen Angus breeding.
McGregor was instrumental in removing Manitoba’s early concentration in wheat and the farther West’s concentration on range cattle and helped to make the new country a land of varied agriculture.
McGregor never actively sought public office, but many times through the times it sought him. In 1915, he declined the offer of appointment as minister of agriculture for Manitoba. In 1917, during the stress of the Great War, he was appointed food controller for the four western provinces. In 1929, McGregor was accorded the highest distinction in the province; he was appointed lieutenant-governor for Manitoba.
McGregor founded the Glencarnock stock farms, probably the largest, single, intensive farming operation in Western Canada at that time. McGregor got his start in Aberdeen Angus cattle in 1890 through the purchase of part of an importation made from Scotland. His Glencarnock herd provided the foundation stock for many Aberdeen Angus herds established on the Prairies. He won repeated victories with his herd, capturing the grand championship at the Chicago International. McGregor’s portrait was hung in the Saddle and Sirloin Club in Chicago, the greatest honor the livestock men of America can grant.
McGregor was proud of his province and served it faithfully for many years. He set an example for others to constantly endeavour to raise the quality of the agricultural and livestock industries of the province.