May 13

Cyrus McCormick was born in Virginia in 1809 and invented the first commercially successful mechanical grain reaper in 1831. His innovation dramatically increased farm productivity by easing the harvest process. McCormick founded the McCormick Harvesting Machine Company, which later merged into International Harvester and became a leader in agricultural machinery. He pioneered assembly-line production techniques and aggressive marketing strategies to grow his business. Under his guidance, International Harvester expanded globally and shaped modern farming practices. McCormick was also a philanthropist, supporting educational and religious causes. He died in 1884, leaving a lasting impact on agriculture worldwide.

Born in 1930 in Florenceville, New Brunswick, he and his brothers transformed a family business into McCain Foods. Under his leadership, the company expanded to become the world's largest producer of frozen French fries. He championed innovation in food processing and supply chain management. Beyond business, McCain was a noted philanthropist, supporting education and cultural institutions in Canada. He navigated complex family and corporate challenges while maintaining a vision for global growth. McCain's business acumen and community impact remain influential in the food industry.