Larry A. Nelson has enhanced the efficiency of the beef industry through adult education and research. He was born and reared in Iowa and was educated at California Polytechnic University (B.S. 1960), University of Nebraska (M.S. 1963), and Texas A&M University (Ph.D. 1967). He joined the faculty of Purdue University in 1967, was promoted to professor in 1984, and became associate department head in 1990. Nelson was honored by his extension specialist peers in 1996 when he received the Career Award for superior service to agriculture. As a beef specialist, he has served as coordinator, organizer, or speaker for more than 700 extension meetings having more than 50,000 attendees. He has been author or co-author of more than 700 extension publications. As a result of his efforts, cow efficiency, growth rate, feed conversion, and carcass composition of beef cattle have been significantly improved in Indiana. Nelson has served as member and chairman of numerous committees of ASAS, Beef Improvement Federation, NC Region Livestock and Meats Specialists' Association, Indiana Beef Cattle Association, Indiana Beef Evaluation Program, and Purdue University. He is also an exemplary citizen who has served on many church and civic boards, including the county's planning commission.