The Digital Heartbeat of Dairy Cows
Therio Comparison Guide
Last updated: February 2026 - Therio Editorial Team
Summary
When comparing dairy herd management software, the key differences come down to deployment model (cloud vs. on-premise), integration depth with parlor controllers and breed registries, mobile accessibility, and pricing structure. DairyComp 305 remains the most widely deployed platform for large commercial dairies, while BoviSync leads the cloud-native category with strong mobile support. Therio's Dairy Directory covers 50+ herd management products across 539+ total dairy technology guides from 160+ companies in 18 categories.
| Feature | On-Premise (DairyComp 305) | Cloud-Native (BoviSync) |
|---|---|---|
| Remote Access | Limited (requires VPN or remote desktop) | Full access from any device with internet |
| Mobile App | Limited mobile functionality | Full-featured iOS and Android apps |
| Breed Registry Sync | Deep integration (Holstein, Jersey) | Yes, with growing registry partnerships |
| Parlor Controller Integration | Supports most major controllers | Supports major controllers via API |
| Internet Required | No (runs locally) | Yes (cloud-dependent) |
| Automatic Updates | Manual update installation | Automatic, always current version |
| Data Backup | User-managed backups | Automatic cloud backup |
| Pricing Model | Site license (one-time + support) | Per-cow monthly subscription |
The herd management software decision increasingly depends on your operation's connectivity and mobility needs rather than pure feature comparison. On-premise systems like DairyComp 305 offer unmatched depth for large operations with dedicated IT support, while cloud platforms like BoviSync provide modern interfaces and anywhere access that appeal to mid-size dairies and operations where multiple team members need mobile access. Many operations run both, using DairyComp as the primary records system and a cloud tool for field access. The Therio Dairy Directory's Herd Management, Monitoring, and Data category covers the full range of options.
DairyComp 305 by Valley Agricultural Software remains the most widely used dairy herd management system in North America, particularly on operations with 500+ cows. BoviSync is the leading cloud-native alternative and has been gaining market share among mid-size operations. The Therio Dairy Directory profiles 50+ herd management products across its 539+ total dairy technology guides.
Yes, most cloud platforms offer data migration tools or services to import records from DairyComp 305. The migration process typically involves exporting your herd data in a compatible format and mapping fields to the new platform. Plan for a transition period where you may run both systems simultaneously. Therio's Dairy Directory covers migration considerations in its herd management product guides.
Most cloud-native dairy platforms require an active internet connection for full functionality. Some, like BoviSync, offer limited offline mode for basic data entry that syncs when connectivity returns. If your operation is in an area with unreliable internet, a hybrid system or on-premise solution with cloud sync may be more practical. The Therio Dairy Directory's 539+ product guides include connectivity requirements for each platform.
Pricing varies significantly by model. On-premise systems like DairyComp 305 typically involve a site license fee plus annual support contracts. Cloud platforms usually charge per-cow monthly subscriptions, ranging from $0.50 to $3.00 per cow per month depending on features. Some platforms bundle software with hardware purchases. The Therio Dairy Directory covers pricing models across 160+ companies.
The most important integrations are parlor controller compatibility (to pull milk weights and conductivity data), breed registry connections (for registration and genetic data), DHIA/milk recording sync, and RFID reader support for animal identification. The Therio Dairy Directory's 539+ product guides detail integration capabilities for each platform across 18 categories.
Browse all herd management, monitoring, and data products in the Therio Dairy Directory, including detailed product guides for cloud, on-premise, and hybrid platforms.
Browse Herd Management ProductsExpert, editorially independent guides comparing dairy technology products and platforms:
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