What Ongoing Support Looks Like in Real Herds
Herd management software isn’t static. Workflows shift. Reports need refining. Features that could save time aren’t 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’s what that looks like in real herds.
Turning Manual Work Into Automated Workflows
On a 918-cow Pennsylvania dairy, a weekly shot list was being built manually — taking about an hour each week.
During a joint visit, the team reviewed the herd’s 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.
Integration Setup and Protecting Data
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’s 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.
Refining Reports and Data Use
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’s heat monitoring software was also identified for follow-up.
The goal was simple.
Strengthen how standardized herd data was recorded and used.
In Their Words
- Jen Potenzano, DRMS, Assistant Manager of User Support Services
- "When we’re on-farm, it’s about listening and helping producers feel confident in how they’re using their herd data. We stay alongside them."
- Don DeHart, Lancaster DHIA, General Manager
- "Producers just want to know someone understands how their farm runs. When we’re there in person, we work through it together."
Support That Strengthens the System
Some assume herd management software is something you install and manage on your own.
In real herds, that’s not how it works.
Dart is the proven herd management system built on standardized data used in real herds every day — 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.