LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — One of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s extension experts has won an award for his beef research and education efforts.

Rick Funston recently received this year’s regional excellence in extension award for the north central region.

Funston’s work has helped ranchers identify new market options and reduce feed costs for their cattle. He’s an expert on cattle reproduction who has focused on how the nutrition levels of a cow affects their offspring.

Funston is based in North Platte, but he is also a professor with UNL’s animal science department.