Rex Beresford was born on December 18,1885, in Vinton, Iowa. He received a B.S. (1911) in Animal Husbandry from Iowa State College (University). Beresford then went on to work as a Fieldman (1912-1916) for the Iowa Beef Producers Association. During this time he organized the first baby beef clubs in Iowa, along with the first baby beef show at the Iowa State Fair.

Beresford was hired by Iowa State as Extension Associate Professor (1916-1921) of Animal Husbandry. He was promoted to Extension Professor (1921-1948) and also served as a Professor (1948-1965) of Livestock Marketing.

He received many awards throughout his lifetime. Beresford was awarded the United States Department of Agriculture Superior Service Silver Medal and Certificate (1951), the Faculty Citation by the Iowa State College Alumni Association (1955), the Alumni Merit Award (1958) by the Chicago Alumni Association of the University, and the State of Iowa Service Certificate (1962) for 45 years of service to his state. During his career, Beresford had over 100 articles published in agricultural journals and magazines mainly dealing with beef cattle feeding, cattle market outlooks, and related subjects.

Beresford married Mary C. Blodgett in 1912 and they had 5 children together: Robert, Ronald, Bruce, Mary, and Kenneth. Beresford passed away on October 12,1984.