Robert Weir grew up in Wingham, Ont. prior to relocating in Saskatchewan. He became a farmer and a cattle and hog breeder in addition to serving in the military during the First World War.
Prime Minister Richard Bennett appointed Weir as minister of agriculture from 1930 to 1935.
During that time, Weir implemented the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration Act, which provided $1 million per year to help farmers manage issues through improving practices, conserving water or changing land use.
Minister Weir opposed putting all government research under the National Research Council and instead proposed a parallel ag research council. That council exists today as the Canadian Agricultural Research Council.