Dr. Rayfield has authored or co-authored 32 refereed journal articles in lead journals in career and technical education and agricultural education. Dr. Rayfield has been recognized for his professional contributions to agricultural education in teaching and research. In 2016, he was recognized as the American Association for Agricultural Education (AAAE) Southern Region Distinguished Researcher. Dr. Rayfield received the college level Distinguished Achievement Award for Teaching at Texas A&M University. He was recognized as the 2013 AAAE Southern Region Outstanding Early Career Member and received the Honorary American FFA Degree in 2013.