NSW Department of Primary Industries Minister Niall Blair said the government would team up with Meat and Livestock Australia and the University of New England to help boost profitability in the beef industry.

The government will invest $17.5 million into the partnership with MLA donor company MDC, which is a fully-owned subsidiary of industry service company MLA.

And the state DPI will also invest an additional $5 million in the new National Livestock Genetics Consortium.

“By partnering with universities and also industry we make sure we do research in the areas that are needed,” Mr Blair said.

Acting Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce also flew in for the announcement.

“This research and development can help boost productivity across the whole supply chain,” Mr Joyce said.