Research and development is a top priority for DairyNZ in the coming year, chief executive Tim Mackle says.
He told the organisation's recent annual meeting in Timaru spending on research would be bumped up by $4 million to $18 million for the 2014-15 season.
Work on boosting farm profits would get an extra $1.3 million, taking that total to $16 million. Environmental focus would be $1 million better off, getting a total of $11 million, and biosecurity spending would increase by $700,000 to $16 million.
Previous research had identified a genetic marker for resistance to mastitis.
''We want to get that to the market stage,'' Dr Mackle said.
Feed conversion efficiency was also being studied. DairyNZ had led a programme to produce qualified nutrient management advisers. There were now 75 certified, including 16 in Canterbury.
''We've still got a fair way to go. A lot more need to be trained, so you know you are getting the right advice.''
Two-thirds of the people assessing body condition score were giving inaccurate advice, Dr Mackle said.
''By the end of 2013-14, there were 211 accredited through our scheme.''
In the next 12 months, DairyNZ wanted to ''reinvigorate'' farm systems research.
''No longer can we just focus on increasing profit. We've got to manage other things as well. It's more complex.''
Dairy farming's reputation with the public and its customers was another factor. Efforts would go beyond the current children's education programme, he said.
While farmers were used to volatility, ''the gaps between the highs and lows are widening'', he said.
''We need to look at our costs.''
Feed inputs were responsible for large price increases, and the cost of debt had also risen.
DairyNZ was ''very committed to the South Island'', Dr Mackle said. Staff numbers had risen by about 20 in the past few years.