In recent years, cutting-edge genomic technologies, methodologies and phenotype collection methods for current and novel traits have emerged. Some of these technologies are in development, some are undergoing regulatory analysis, and some have already been implemented. Each of these new technologies could potentially contribute to improving production efficiency; however, each technology has an associated cost, and potential benefits vary. The widespread adoption of these new technologies, methodologies and phenotype collection methods could potentially alter the way animals are selected within genetic and genomic evaluations. However, medium and long-term effects of incorporating these novel traits and technologies into routine breeding programs are largely unknown. Here we describe potential changes to current breeding strategies, and compare how those changes could affect the way we breed dairy cattle in the future. For example, we quantify the current use of reproductive management technologies and describe potential effects of wide-scale adoption on population structure, inbreeding, and production efficiency. A variety of comparisons are presented, and methods to compare the benefits of various schemes and tools for genetic improvement and selection are discussed. This study presents a systematic analysis of the implications of applying novel technologies and methodologies. Through analysis of current and potential future strategies, as well as outlining expected outcomes thereof, changes to dairy cattle breeding programs in short, medium and long term can be predicted, and useful insight on optimal paths forward can be gathered.