Genetic diversity drives our ability to increase profitability through selection, shift selection objectives to meet new market demands, and adapt to new environments. For the past 50 years combined breeding entities  have successfully made U.S. genetics globally preeminent -- increasing food security and providing marketing opportunities for U.S. breeders.  With a range of new selection tools and methods to employ this is an opportune time to pause, reflect and plan how genetic diversity and inbreeding might be managed in such a way that further advances U.S. genetics for the greater good. Led by the USDA National Animal Germplasm Program, this Discover Conference is one part of a comprehensive approach to address the issue of genetic diversity. The goal of these activities is to create a shift in how breeding, genetic improvement and genetic diversity are viewed and used in an intensive agricultural sector found in countries like the United States.