The goal of many swine barns is to reach production levels of 30 pigs/sow/year, and producers are often promised this through various reproductive strategies. Gilts can have puberty induced earlier by PG600, which limits their non-productive days before first breeding. However, this can result in a low body condition score after lactation, and increased time between weaning and estrus. The best method seems to allow gilts to achieve puberty naturally, and to select gilts that have a strong and timely first heat. Early culling should be avoided if possible, and one way to improve this is to select for sows with strong, health legs and udders, and by monitoring condition through lactation. Conception rates can be improved by proper temperature control for semen storage, heat checking twice a day – preferably with a boar present – and allowing the technician breaks every 7-8 sows. Farrowing room interference varies depending on barn management strategies, but generally gilts and high parity sows will require more intervention. For lactating sows, the amount of feed given is less important than maintaining her appetite throughout lactation. Despite many studies on the subject, lactation feed intake still has no clear relationship with the next litter performance. However, poor body condition at the end of lactation will result in a delay of estrus, and more non-productive days. The worth of fostering will depend on the production system. It may not be worth the time in an all-in all-out system, or if disease is present. If it is used, runts will have greater success, and smaller litters can be held back for an extra week. Early weaning (under 18 days) can result in the sow having delayed estrus, and greater embryonic mortality. Generally, weaning at 3-4 weeks benefits litter and sow performance, unless the disease risk is increased by keeping the litter with the sow. Stockmanship remains important to productivity, as individual care and positive interactions can improve reproductive performance.