1. A method for producing progeny comprising: a. collecting pedigree and genotype information pertaining to one or more loci in at least one individual in a population; b. building a first matrix by calculating the probability that alleles present at one or more loci in the one or more individuals are identical by descent in the population, based on the pedigree and genotype information; c. using the first matrix to produce a second matrix that classifies one or more individuals from the population; d. using the second matrix to select a subset of the individuals from the population that have an increased probability of producing progeny having a targeted goal; and, e. breeding the selected individuals.