Swine production is changing. It's happening primarily through the implementation of technological advancements, especially those involving genetics and genomics, the study of heredity and DNA. Iowa State University is one of the world's leaders in these developments and their applications. Genetics has played a role in improving the pig ever since the beginning of domestication. But now its advancing at ever increasing rates for the benefit of both producers and consumers. Many people, including students new to agriculture and even some farmers, would be quite amazed at the level of technology that's widely used in swine production today.