Reford Gardhouse, more than any other individual, stands as a symbol of Ontario’s purebred livestock industry. He is the fourth generation of his family concerned with the breeding of Shorthorns, and in the process, Aberfeldy Farms has become known throughout the world.

The Shorthorn News once stated, referring to the Gardhouse cattlemen: “Each in his generation, has been a feeder, fitter, showman, merchandiser, judge, and a student of breeding; every facet of the industry has been their vocational undertaking, and Reford was one of the best.”

Reford’s talents as a livestock judge were well-known and he judged the Perth Show and Sale in Scotland twice, the Palermo Show in Argentina twice, the Chicago International four times, and many other shows throughout North America. For many years, he successfully exhibited Aberfeldy Shorthorns on the western and eastern show circuits, ending up each year with the Chicago International and the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.

Active in many organizations, Reford Gardhouse served as president of the Canadian Shorthorn Association, Ontario Shorthorn Club, Canadian National Livestock Record Board, and Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, among others.

In recognition of his outstanding service to agriculture, Reford was made an honourary Life Member of the Ontario Institute of Agrologists, received an OAC Centennial Medal in 1974, and in 1988, was the recipient of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food Centennial Award.