Dr. W.J. Rutherford was an eminent judge of livestock, an inspiring teacher, a wise counsellor and a pioneer in the field of scientific agriculture.

Following graduation from the Ontario Agricultural College, he served as lecturer at Iowa State College, and at the University of Manitoba before accepting a call to become Deputy Minister of Agriculture for Saskatchewan.

While serving in that capacity, he advocated the inclusion of a Faculty of Agriculture at the newly established provincial university. Impressed by his arguments, the government of Saskatchewan acquiesced to his proposal and authorized his appointment as dean of the faculty.

In addition to carrying out the regular duties of dean in an effective manner, he established an outstanding Clydesdale stud and excellent herds of Shorthorn and Holstein cattle on college farms. Being a firm believer in the need for agricultural education, he initiated an extension service and devoted a great deal of his energy to the disseminating of information to farmers. Although primarily interested in livestock, he realized the importance of soil and water conservation and advocated the adoption of techniques, which are still being practiced.

Being a wise counsellor, Dr. Rutherford was called upon to serve on several royal commissions, including the Turgeon Commission on wheat marketing (1923,) and the Grain Enquiry Commission (1928).