DRMS (Dairy Records Management Systems)
By Dairy Records Management Systems
Last reviewed: December 2025
Complete guide to DRMS (Dairy Records Management Systems) including DART software, PocketDairy mobile app, and DHI data processing. Learn about pricing,...
Dairy Records Management Systems (DRMS) has been serving dairy producers since 1957, making it one of the oldest and most trusted names in dairy data management. As a nonprofit organization affiliated with NC State University (Raleigh, NC) and Iowa State University (Ames, IA), DRMS combines academic research rigor with practical farm management tools.
DRMS offers a comprehensive suite of products: DART (formerly PCDART) is the flagship desktop herd management software with 70+ pre-designed reports, automatic DHI data integration, and interfaces with major milking systems. PocketDairy provides mobile access for barn-side data entry and cow lookups using RFID wand compatibility. The newer HerdHQ platform offers cloud-based tools with 6 apps for modern dairy producers.
The organization's core strength is DHI data processing. Test samples flow through DRMS to the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding (CDCB) and breed associations, creating official lactation records that contribute to genetic evaluations. Real-time SCC Alert Reports are emailed within minutes of lab processing, identifying the top 20 cows affecting bulk tank quality.
DRMS serves thousands of dairy operations through local DHIA affiliates including Lancaster DHIA, CentralStar, AgSource, and others. The nonprofit structure ensures affordable per-cow pricing while maintaining cutting-edge features developed through university research partnerships.
Key Features
- DART Desktop Software: Flagship herd management software with 70+ pre-designed reports, customizable lists, real-time DHI data integration, and interfaces with electronic milk meters, robotic systems, and health monitoring equipment.
- PocketDairy Mobile App: Handheld companion app for barn-side data entry and cow lookups. RFID wand compatibility (Bluetooth), to-do lists, mobile reports. Available on Android and Windows Mobile.
- DHI Data Processing: Test data flows to CDCB and breed associations for official lactation records. Includes automatic backup storage, 2-day turnaround, and integration with national genetic evaluations.
- Real-Time SCC Alerts: Free email alerts within minutes of lab processing identifying top 20 cows affecting bulk tank SCC. Enables rapid response to mastitis issues.
- Transition Cow Monitor: Tracks dry period length, first milk weight, fat-to-protein ratio, reproduction, and turnover. Identifies transition cow issues before they become costly problems.
- Heifer Genetics Monitor: Award-winning feature analyzing genomic data to guide breeding and culling decisions for replacement heifers. Identifies highest-value animals for retention.
Advanced Features
- Personal Herd Profile: Comprehensive single-page summary of all herd data including production trends, reproduction, SCC, genetics, and benchmarks. Quick reference for management decisions.
- Benchmarking Reports: Compare herd performance to top 20% cohort herds by size, region, or management type. Identifies improvement opportunities relative to high-performing peers.
- Consultant Version: Multi-herd access for nutritionists, veterinarians, and consultants. Requires producer permission. View and analyze multiple client herds from single interface.
- Robotic Milking Integration: Compatible with Lely, DeLaval, Galaxy, and other robotic systems. Uses sampling shuttles for automated sample collection during AMS testing.
- WebReports Online Access: Test-day summary reports and graphs accessible online without DART installation. Available for both PCDART users and non-users. Monthly cost based on herd size.
- HerdHQ Cloud Platform: Newer cloud-based suite with 6 apps for modern dairy producers and advisors. Announced at World Dairy Expo as next-generation platform.
Ideal For
Farm Types: Conventional dairy, Organic dairy, Grazing operations, Robot dairies
Competitive Advantages
What sets DRMS (Dairy Records Management Systems) apart from alternatives:
- Nonprofit status ensures research-focused development over profit motives
- 65+ years of continuous operation since 1957
- University partnerships (NC State, Iowa State) provide research-backed tools
- Data flows to CDCB for national genetic evaluations
- Free real-time SCC alerts within minutes of processing
- 70+ report options with extensive customization
- Local support through DHIA affiliate network
- Award-winning Heifer Genetics Monitor
- Compatible with all major milking systems and robots
- Affordable per-cow pricing model
Pricing Information
Here is the pricing information for DRMS (Dairy Records Management Systems):
Dairy records management and processing services.
Pricing Model: Per-cow data processing fees
Integrates with major herd management software. Contact DRMS for quote based on herd size.
Pros & Considerations
- National DHI data processing
- Standardized records
- Herd benchmarking
- Long-established system
- Integration with testing
- Works through local affiliates
- Interface may be dated
- Requires DHI testing
- Reporting complexity
Implementation & Setup
How to implement DRMS (Dairy Records Management Systems) on your dairy operation:
Implementation Timeline: Initial setup: 1-2 weeks; Full integration: 30-60 days depending on existing systems
Training & Support
Training and support options available for DRMS (Dairy Records Management Systems):
Evaluation Questions
Key questions to consider when evaluating DRMS (Dairy Records Management Systems):
- Is my current DHIA affiliate compatible with DRMS processing?
- What reports would be most valuable for my operation?
- How will DART integrate with my existing milking system?
- Do I need mobile access through PocketDairy?
- Would consultant access benefit my nutritionist or veterinarian?