Dairy cattle have changed considerably in the past 100 years. They now are generally taller and thinner with larger udders that produce considerably more milk. Genomic selection and the ability to modify specific genes will enable us to make changes even faster in the future. The discipline of animal breeding is generally concerned with genetic change; however, all disciplines must adapt to the animals that are produced. Moreover, dairy cattle genetics are related across countries. Thus, it is imperative that we consider the future of the dairy cow from a multidisciplinary and international approach. Although the presentations in this symposium are led mostly by geneticists, this symposium is for all dairy scientists, especially for graduate students in the production division. You are the ones who will discover how to best feed and manage the cows of the future!