Technical Abstract: In this invited commentary, we discuss how next-generation sequencing methods are beginning to find their way into plant genetics, promising substantial improvements in crop yields over the coming decades. Next-generation sequencing facilitates the construction of high-resolution variation maps, which then can be used to drive genome-wide association studies or genomic selection approaches. These methodologies should enable crop breeders to more quickly identify the best germplasm for introgression into elite crop varieties. We reviewed three recent papers in Nature Genetics that highlight this trend.