Lancaster DHIA
By Lancaster DHIA
Last reviewed: December 2025
Complete guide to Lancaster DHIA serving 2,700+ herds across the Northeast. Learn about DART software, microbiology lab, pricing, and comprehensive dairy...
Lancaster DHIA has served Northeast dairy producers since 1905, growing to become the region's largest DHI provider with 2,700+ herds and 230,000+ cows on test. The organization covers Pennsylvania, New York, and New England states including Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
The organization's field service network employs certified DHI Specialists who visit farms on regular schedules. Full-service testing includes technician-collected samples and weights, while owner-sampler programs offer a lower-cost alternative. Automatic Milking System (AMS) programs accommodate robotic dairies with sampling shuttles compatible with Lely, DeLaval, Galaxy, and other systems.
Lancaster DHIA partners with Dairy One to offer unique processing flexibility. As the only U.S. provider offering all processing center options (DRMS, AgriTech, AgSource), producers can choose the processing center that best fits their needs while maintaining consistent local field service. This flexibility extends to software: DART, DairyCOMP, and other platforms integrate seamlessly.
The on-site microbiology laboratory provides rapid culture results for milk quality issues. Same-day or next-day identification of mastitis pathogens enables targeted treatment decisions. Additional testing includes Johne's screening, BHBA for ketosis, milk pregnancy testing, and comprehensive component analysis.
Key Features
- DHI Field Service: Certified DHI Specialists collect samples and weights on-farm. Regular monthly testing schedules. Equipment calibration and maintenance included.
- All Processing Center Options: Only U.S. provider offering DRMS, AgriTech, and AgSource processing. Choose the center that fits your software and preferences while keeping local service.
- DART Software Support: Local installation, training, and support for DART herd management software. 70+ reports, PocketDairy mobile access, and real-time DHI integration.
- On-Site Microbiology Lab: Rapid culture results for mastitis pathogen identification. Same-day or next-day turnaround. Target treatments to specific organisms.
- Owner-Sampler Programs: Lower-cost testing with farm-collected samples. Test 1, 2, or 3 milkings at no additional charge. Technician pickup and delivery.
- AMS/Robot Programs: Sampling shuttles compatible with Lely, DeLaval, Galaxy, and other robotic systems. Technician drops off shuttles and returns 24-48 hours later.
Advanced Features
- Goat Testing Services: Specialized DHI programs for dairy goats. Pricing: $65 base (1-10 goats), $75 base (11-20 goats), $3.75 per goat over 20. Component analysis included.
- Johne's Disease Screening: ELISA and PCR testing for Johne's disease. Individual animal or herd screening options. Combination pricing available.
- BHBA/Ketosis Testing: Beta-hydroxybutyrate analysis from milk samples. Early ketosis detection enables preventive intervention. Add to any DHI test.
- Milk Pregnancy Testing: Non-invasive pregnancy confirmation. Results with regular DHI reports. Reduces handling stress.
- Dairy One Laboratory Network: Access to full Dairy One analytical services including forage analysis, water testing, and diagnostic services.
- Consulting & Education: Field staff provide on-farm consultation. Regional workshops and producer meetings. Partnership with Penn State Extension.
Ideal For
Farm Types: Conventional dairy, Organic dairy, Grazing operations, Robot dairies, Goat dairies
Competitive Advantages
What sets Lancaster DHIA apart from alternatives:
- Largest DHI provider in Northeast: 2,700+ herds, 230,000+ cows
- Only U.S. provider offering all processing center options
- On-site microbiology lab for rapid culture results
- 118+ years of service since 1905
- Coverage across 9 Northeast states
- AMS/robot testing for all major systems
- Goat testing services available
- DART software local support
- Dairy One partnership for comprehensive lab services
- Documented ROI: $10,000+/year improvement potential
Pricing Information
Here is the pricing information for Lancaster DHIA:
DHIA testing services with cafeteria-style pricing.
Pricing Model: Per-cow testing fees
Pay only for services used. Herd size affects per-cow pricing.
Pros & Considerations
- Local DHI expertise
- Pennsylvania dairy focus
- Personalized service
- Testing and records
- Regional relationships
- Regional scope
- Service costs
- Testing schedule
- Data management tools
Implementation & Setup
How to implement Lancaster DHIA on your dairy operation:
Implementation Timeline: Setup: 1-2 weeks; First test: within 30 days
Training & Support
Training and support options available for Lancaster DHIA:
Evaluation Questions
Key questions to consider when evaluating Lancaster DHIA:
- Which processing center (DRMS, AgriTech, AgSource) fits my software?
- Would full-service or owner-sampler better fit my operation?
- How often should we test to maximize ROI?
- Should we add BHBA testing for fresh cow monitoring?
- Would on-site culture help resolve mastitis issues?