Herd management software isn\u2019t static. Workflows shift. Reports need refining. Features that could save time aren\u2019t always fully used. Across Vermont and Pennsylvania, joint on-farm visits between Lancaster DHIA and DRMS support focus on one goal: helping producers and consultants get more value from the herd management system they already use. Here\u2019s what that looks like in real herds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On a 918-cow Pennsylvania dairy, a weekly shot list was being built manually \u2014 taking about an hour each week. During a joint visit, the team reviewed the herd\u2019s TAI setup and found protocols were already in place. Cows were enrolled using the Timed AI Auto enrollment feature with protocols already established in Dart, allowing the process to be completely streamlined. The separate weekly report was eliminated. The system stayed the same. The workflow improved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At a 366-cow Vermont herd, the herd manager was using Dart but had not yet explored the full range of tools available to support daily management. During the visit, the team helped connect Dart with the farm\u2019s heat monitoring software so data would transfer automatically, and set up automatic backups to ensure herd records were securely protected. They also worked together to refine reports, making it easier to identify animals for vet checks and use PocketDairy in the barn to record information in real time. Integration and automation were put in place. Data security and day-to-day efficiency were strengthened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On a 396-cow Pennsylvania herd, the visit focused on strengthening how existing tools were used to support management decisions. The team reviewed Activity Tracker to evaluate health conditions and Conception Tracker to assess sexed semen conception rates, then refined reports and created a report to identify cows pregnant with twins. They also worked through protocols and chores, including how to add new chores, record them through the Input Desk, and use chores to track treatments more consistently. An issue with the farm\u2019s heat monitoring software was also identified for follow-up. The goal was simple. Strengthen how standardized herd data was recorded and used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n“When we\u2019re on-farm, it\u2019s about listening and helping producers feel confident in how they\u2019re using their herd data. We stay alongside them.”<\/p>\n
\n\n \nJen Potenzano<\/p>\n \n
DRMS, Assistant Manager of User Support Services
<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n\n“Producers just want to know someone understands how their farm runs. When we\u2019re there in person, we work through it together.”<\/p>\n
\n\n \nDon DeHart<\/p>\n \n
Lancaster DHIA, General Manager<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Support That Strengthens the System<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Some assume herd management software is something you install and manage on your own. In real herds, that\u2019s not how it works. Dart is the proven herd management system built on standardized data used in real herds every day \u2014 backed by people who stay alongside producers to help ensure their records remain accurate, their workflows stay aligned and their herd data continues to support informed decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n
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