MORRIS, Minn. (AP) -- University of Minnesota researchers will collaborate with organic dairy farmers on a new study aimed at improving the dairies' profitability.

The project will be headquartered at the university's West Central Research and Outreach Center at Morris. It brings farmers together with experts in animal science, entomology, agronomy and economics. A $1.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture is helping fund the four-year project.

Lead investigator Brad Heins says they'll be looking at improved pasture production, best management practices for animal comfort and getting more milk production.

The West Central Research and Outreach center has its own certified organic dairy. The university says it's one of only two dairies at land-grant research universities in the United States that have made the transition from traditional to organic production.

Copyright 2012 The AP.