Quick Overview
- 1#1: DairyComp 305 - Comprehensive dairy herd management software for tracking milk production, reproduction, health, and feeding records.
- 2#2: Afimilk - Advanced integrated dairy farm management system optimizing milking, herd health, feeding, and productivity analytics.
- 3#3: DeLaval DelPro - Farm management software that monitors cow health, milk quality, and production to maximize dairy efficiency.
- 4#4: GEA DairyPlan C500 - Digital herd management solution for real-time data on milking, feeding, and animal welfare in dairy operations.
- 5#5: PCDART - Dairy records processing software providing analysis and reporting for genetic, production, and health data.
- 6#6: Sum-It Dairy - Herd management software for recording milk yields, fertility, health events, and compliance reporting.
- 7#7: Dairymaster Agri - Integrated farm software for managing milking, herd performance, and traceability in dairy production.
- 8#8: Lely Horizon - Automated dairy farm management platform focused on robotic milking and cow monitoring data.
- 9#9: Connecterra - AI-driven insights platform for dairy farms to improve productivity, health, and sustainability.
- 10#10: Herdwatch - Mobile-first livestock management app for dairy record-keeping, compliance, and health tracking.
Tools were evaluated for their feature depth, operational effectiveness, user interface, and value, ensuring the rankings reflect high-performance, practical solutions for diverse dairy production scales.
Comparison Table
Dairy production software is essential for modern farm management, and evaluating tools like DairyComp 305, Afimilk, DeLaval DelPro, GEA DairyPlan C500, PCDART, and others is key to finding the right fit. This comparison table breaks down features, workflows, and suitability, helping readers understand how each solution aligns with their operational needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DairyComp 305 Comprehensive dairy herd management software for tracking milk production, reproduction, health, and feeding records. | enterprise | 9.8/10 | 10/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 2 | Afimilk Advanced integrated dairy farm management system optimizing milking, herd health, feeding, and productivity analytics. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | DeLaval DelPro Farm management software that monitors cow health, milk quality, and production to maximize dairy efficiency. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 4 | GEA DairyPlan C500 Digital herd management solution for real-time data on milking, feeding, and animal welfare in dairy operations. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 5 | PCDART Dairy records processing software providing analysis and reporting for genetic, production, and health data. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Sum-It Dairy Herd management software for recording milk yields, fertility, health events, and compliance reporting. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 6.2/10 | 7.3/10 |
| 7 | Dairymaster Agri Integrated farm software for managing milking, herd performance, and traceability in dairy production. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | Lely Horizon Automated dairy farm management platform focused on robotic milking and cow monitoring data. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 9 | Connecterra AI-driven insights platform for dairy farms to improve productivity, health, and sustainability. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 10 | Herdwatch Mobile-first livestock management app for dairy record-keeping, compliance, and health tracking. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 |
Comprehensive dairy herd management software for tracking milk production, reproduction, health, and feeding records.
Advanced integrated dairy farm management system optimizing milking, herd health, feeding, and productivity analytics.
Farm management software that monitors cow health, milk quality, and production to maximize dairy efficiency.
Digital herd management solution for real-time data on milking, feeding, and animal welfare in dairy operations.
Dairy records processing software providing analysis and reporting for genetic, production, and health data.
Herd management software for recording milk yields, fertility, health events, and compliance reporting.
Integrated farm software for managing milking, herd performance, and traceability in dairy production.
Automated dairy farm management platform focused on robotic milking and cow monitoring data.
AI-driven insights platform for dairy farms to improve productivity, health, and sustainability.
Mobile-first livestock management app for dairy record-keeping, compliance, and health tracking.
DairyComp 305
enterpriseComprehensive dairy herd management software for tracking milk production, reproduction, health, and feeding records.
Sophisticated reproductive management with customizable heat detection, synchronization protocols, and fertility forecasting.
DairyComp 305 from Valley Ag Software is the industry-leading dairy herd management solution, providing comprehensive tools for tracking milk production, reproduction, health events, and genetics across large-scale operations. It integrates seamlessly with milking parlors, activity monitors, and DHI testing services to deliver real-time data analysis and automated reporting. Trusted by top dairies worldwide, it enables precise decision-making to maximize profitability, cow longevity, and herd performance.
Pros
- Unmatched depth in reproductive, health, and production tracking
- Robust integrations with hardware and lab services
- Proven reliability with decades of refinement and excellent support
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to extensive features
- Primarily Windows-based, limiting mobile/cross-platform access
- Pricing scales with herd size, less ideal for very small farms
Best For
Large commercial dairy farms seeking enterprise-level herd management with advanced analytics and integrations.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing based on herd size, typically $0.75-$1.50 per cow per month plus base fees; contact Val-Ag for quotes.
Afimilk
enterpriseAdvanced integrated dairy farm management system optimizing milking, herd health, feeding, and productivity analytics.
AfiAct II rumination and activity monitoring tags that provide early detection of health issues via real-time sensor data
Afimilk is a leading dairy farm management software platform that integrates seamlessly with proprietary hardware like milk meters, ID tags, and sensors to monitor milk production, cow health, reproduction, and feeding in real-time. It offers advanced analytics, AI-driven alerts for issues like mastitis or heat detection, and tools for optimizing herd performance and farm profitability. Used globally by large-scale operations, it transforms raw data into actionable insights for dairy producers.
Pros
- Comprehensive integration of hardware and software for precise individual cow tracking
- AI-powered predictive analytics for health, reproduction, and production optimization
- Proven scalability for large herds with robust reporting and cloud-based access
Cons
- High upfront costs for hardware installation and customization
- Steep learning curve requiring extensive training for full utilization
- Less suitable for small farms due to complexity and expense
Best For
Large-scale dairy farms with automated milking parlors needing end-to-end data-driven herd management.
Pricing
Custom quotes based on farm size and hardware needs; full systems typically range from $50,000+ with subscription fees for software updates.
DeLaval DelPro
enterpriseFarm management software that monitors cow health, milk quality, and production to maximize dairy efficiency.
Full integration with DeLaval VMS robotic milking for automated, real-time herd control and data collection
DeLaval DelPro is a robust herd management software tailored for dairy farms, integrating seamlessly with DeLaval's milking equipment and sensors to track milk production, cow health, reproduction, and feeding. It provides real-time data analytics, alerts, and reporting tools to optimize farm operations and decision-making. Designed for professional dairy producers, it supports everything from individual cow monitoring to whole-herd management strategies.
Pros
- Deep integration with DeLaval hardware like VMS robotic milkers
- Comprehensive analytics for milk yield, health, and reproduction
- Real-time alerts and customizable reports for efficiency gains
Cons
- High upfront costs and custom pricing
- Steep learning curve requiring training
- Best suited for DeLaval-equipped farms, less flexible otherwise
Best For
Large-scale dairy farms with DeLaval milking systems seeking integrated, hardware-synced management.
Pricing
Custom pricing based on farm size, cow count, and hardware integration; typically starts at $5,000+ annually plus hardware.
GEA DairyPlan C500
enterpriseDigital herd management solution for real-time data on milking, feeding, and animal welfare in dairy operations.
Real-time data synchronization directly from GEA milking parlors and robots
GEA DairyPlan C500 is a comprehensive herd management software tailored for dairy farms, integrating seamlessly with GEA's milking systems to monitor milk production, animal health, reproduction, and feeding in real-time. It offers advanced analytics, automated alerts, and reporting tools to optimize farm efficiency and profitability. Designed for professional dairy operations, it supports data-driven decisions across the entire production cycle.
Pros
- Seamless integration with GEA milking hardware for real-time data
- Comprehensive modules covering reproduction, health, and feeding optimization
- Robust analytics and customizable reporting for informed decision-making
Cons
- High initial cost and dependency on GEA equipment
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
- Limited flexibility for farms not using GEA hardware
Best For
Large-scale dairy farms with GEA milking systems looking for an all-in-one integrated management solution.
Pricing
Custom quotes based on farm size and modules; typically €5,000–€20,000+ initial setup plus annual maintenance fees.
PCDART
specializedDairy records processing software providing analysis and reporting for genetic, production, and health data.
Seamless DHIA integration for real-time access to official milk test data and national genetic evaluations
PCDART is a longstanding dairy herd management software from DRMS that specializes in tracking milk production, reproduction, health events, genetics, and feed records for dairy farms. It excels in integrating with DHIA (Dairy Herd Improvement Association) testing services to provide accurate, standardized production data and genetic evaluations. The software offers robust reporting, sire selection tools, and customizable dashboards to help optimize herd performance and profitability.
Pros
- Deep integration with DHIA for reliable production and genetic data
- Comprehensive tools for reproduction, health, and sire management
- Proven track record with decades of use in professional dairy operations
Cons
- Dated Windows-based interface that feels clunky compared to modern apps
- Limited mobile or cloud accessibility
- Steep learning curve for new users without prior dairy software experience
Best For
Mid-to-large dairy farms participating in DHIA programs that prioritize detailed genetic and production analysis over user-friendly modern interfaces.
Pricing
Subscription-based at approximately $0.15-$0.25 per cow per month (minimum fees apply); custom quotes via DRMS cooperatives.
Sum-It Dairy
enterpriseHerd management software for recording milk yields, fertility, health events, and compliance reporting.
Automated milk metering integration that captures production data directly from parlor systems for precise yield and quality analysis
Sum-It Dairy is a specialized farm management software tailored for dairy producers, offering comprehensive tools for herd recording, milk production tracking, fertility and health management, and financial reporting. It integrates seamlessly with milking parlor hardware and electronic identification systems to automate data entry and provide real-time insights. Designed primarily for UK dairy farms, it supports compliance with industry standards like Dairy Herd Improvement (DHI) and generates detailed pedigree and performance reports.
Pros
- Deep dairy-specific functionality including advanced fertility and genetic tracking
- Strong integration with parlor automation and EID readers
- Reliable reporting and compliance tools for regulatory needs
Cons
- Outdated desktop interface with limited modern UI elements
- Steep learning curve for new users without dedicated training
- No native mobile app or cloud access, requiring on-site Windows PCs
Best For
Established UK dairy farms with 100+ cows prioritizing robust on-farm hardware integration over mobile or cloud-based solutions.
Pricing
Annual licenses start at £550 for core modules, scaling to £1,200+ with add-ons like advanced analytics and support; one-time setup fees apply.
Dairymaster Agri
enterpriseIntegrated farm software for managing milking, herd performance, and traceability in dairy production.
Real-time milk metering and cow data capture via integrated cluster sensors for precise, automated herd insights
Dairymaster Agri is a robust farm management software tailored for dairy operations, integrating seamlessly with Dairymaster's milking equipment to track milk yields, herd health, and performance in real-time. It provides tools for breeding management, feeding optimization, financial tracking, and compliance reporting, enabling data-driven decisions to boost productivity. The platform includes a mobile app for on-the-go access and automated alerts for issues like mastitis or low yields.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Dairymaster milking hardware for accurate real-time data
- Comprehensive dairy-specific tools including health alerts and breeding records
- User-friendly mobile app for remote farm monitoring
Cons
- Optimized primarily for Dairymaster equipment, limiting flexibility for other hardware
- Premium pricing that may not suit small farms
- Initial setup and learning curve for full feature utilization
Best For
Medium to large dairy farms equipped with Dairymaster milking systems seeking integrated hardware-software management.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing based on herd size and features; typically starts at €5-10 per cow/year plus hardware integration costs—quote required.
Lely Horizon
enterpriseAutomated dairy farm management platform focused on robotic milking and cow monitoring data.
Real-time, robot-sourced data integration for precise individual cow monitoring and automated alerts
Lely Horizon is a cloud-based farm management platform tailored for dairy farms using Lely's robotic milking systems, such as the Astronaut robots. It aggregates data from sensors and robots to deliver real-time insights on milk production, cow health, feeding efficiency, and reproduction metrics. The software enables farmers to monitor individual cow performance, receive alerts for issues, and generate reports to optimize overall herd management and farm profitability.
Pros
- Deep integration with Lely hardware for accurate real-time data
- Advanced analytics and predictive alerts for cow health and production
- Mobile app for on-the-go farm monitoring
Cons
- Limited compatibility with non-Lely equipment
- Subscription costs can be high for smaller farms
- Initial setup requires Lely hardware and technical support
Best For
Dairy farms equipped with Lely robotic milking systems looking for integrated, data-driven herd management.
Pricing
Subscription-based; pricing customized by herd size and features, typically starting at €200-500/month—contact Lely for quotes.
Connecterra
specializedAI-driven insights platform for dairy farms to improve productivity, health, and sustainability.
Ida AI Advisor, which uses deep learning to provide hyper-personalized, herd-specific recommendations from behavioral data.
Connecterra's Ida is an AI-powered platform tailored for dairy farming, leveraging wearable sensors, computer vision, and machine learning to monitor cow behavior, health, and productivity in real-time. It delivers predictive insights on heat detection, mastitis risks, rumination, and feed efficiency to optimize milk yield and herd management. By integrating farm data, Ida provides personalized recommendations that help farmers reduce labor and improve overall farm profitability.
Pros
- Advanced AI-driven predictive analytics for cow health and reproduction
- Real-time monitoring via collars and cameras reduces manual checks
- Demonstrated improvements in milk production and farm efficiency
Cons
- Significant upfront costs for hardware like sensor collars
- Setup and data integration can have a learning curve
- Pricing may be prohibitive for small-scale farms
Best For
Mid-to-large dairy farms aiming to leverage AI for data-driven herd optimization and productivity gains.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on herd size; typically $20-40 per cow/month plus one-time hardware costs (contact for quote).
Herdwatch
specializedMobile-first livestock management app for dairy record-keeping, compliance, and health tracking.
Live TB Reactor Dashboard for instant compliance tracking and reporting
Herdwatch is a mobile-first farm management software tailored for dairy and beef farmers, focusing on herd recording, animal health, breeding, and regulatory compliance. It enables users to log events like calving, treatments, and movements in real-time via app, generate essential reports for authorities such as TB testing and Bord Bia audits, and track basic performance metrics. While strong in simplifying paperwork, it integrates with scales and tags for efficient on-farm data capture.
Pros
- Highly intuitive mobile app for on-the-go recording
- Robust compliance tools for Irish regulations like TB and Bord Bia
- Affordable per-cow pricing model
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics and milk production forecasting
- Geared heavily toward Irish/EU regulations, less flexible elsewhere
- Fewer integrations with third-party dairy hardware compared to competitors
Best For
Small to medium-sized dairy farmers in Ireland or the EU who prioritize compliance reporting and simple mobile herd management over advanced analytics.
Pricing
Pay-per-cow subscription starting at €4.50 per cow/year (minimum €60/year), with volume discounts for larger herds.
Conclusion
The 10 dairy production software tools reviewed collectively offer powerful solutions for farm management, with DairyComp 305 leading as the top choice for its comprehensive tracking of milk production, reproduction, health, and feeding. Afimilk excels with advanced integration across key operations, while DeLaval DelPro focuses on maximizing efficiency through cow health and milk quality monitoring, each proving a strong alternative for specific needs.
To enhance your dairy operations, start with DairyComp 305—its robust features promise to streamline management and support your herd’s success.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison