Question 1

What is Herd Yard?

Accepted Answer

Herd Yard is an online private treaty cattle marketplace that connects cattle producers, ranchers, and buyers directly — farm to farm. Launched in March 2025 and headquartered in Harrisonburg, VA, Herd Yard allows producers across the United States to list and sell cattle without going through an auction barn or paying a sales commission. The platform has facilitated listings representing over 17,000 head of cattle and more than $58 million in total listing value.

Question 2

How is Herd Yard different from a cattle auction?

Accepted Answer

Herd Yard uses a private treaty model instead of a live auction. Sellers list their cattle at a set price, and buyers browse and contact sellers directly. There is no bidding, no auctioneer, and no commission on the sale price. Sellers keep their full margin. Unlike auction barns, cattle stay on the farm during the sale process, which reduces stress and limits disease exposure from commingled animals.

Question 3

Is Herd Yard a livestock auction?

Accepted Answer

No. Herd Yard is not an auction. It is a private treaty marketplace where sellers set their own prices and buyers contact them directly. There is no bidding, no sale barn, and no commission deducted from the sale price. All transactions happen directly between buyer and seller.

Question 4

What does private treaty cattle sales mean?

Accepted Answer

Private treaty sales mean the seller sets a fixed price for their cattle and sells directly to the buyer, one-on-one. There is no auction, no bidding war, and no commission. The buyer and seller negotiate terms directly. This method keeps cattle in their home environment, reduces stress and disease exposure, and typically results in healthier animals for the buyer.

Question 5

Where does Herd Yard operate?

Accepted Answer

Herd Yard serves cattle producers and buyers across the entire United States. Listings are plotted on an interactive map so buyers can find cattle near them or in any region. The platform has active listings in dozens of states nationwide.

Question 6

How do I list cattle for sale on Herd Yard?

Accepted Answer

Create a free account at herdyard.com, then choose either a single listing ($45 flat fee) or a Producer Membership ($432/year for unlimited listings). Build your listing by adding photos, breed, class, head count, price per head, location, and a description. Your listing appears on the browse page and interactive map for buyers nationwide within minutes.

Question 7

Does Herd Yard take a commission on cattle sales?

Accepted Answer

No. Herd Yard charges a flat listing fee — $45 per listing or unlimited listings with a Producer Membership at $432/year. There is zero commission on the sale price, no matter how much your cattle sells for. Sellers keep their full margin.

Question 8

What does it cost to sell cattle on Herd Yard?

Accepted Answer

There are two options for sellers: a Single Listing for $45 (one listing, 60-day run time, free extensions until sold) or a Producer Membership for $432/year (unlimited listings, a branded Producer Profile page, no commission). There are no per-sale fees or commissions on either plan.

Question 9

How long does a listing run on Herd Yard?

Accepted Answer

Every listing runs for 60 days. If your cattle has not sold by the end of the listing period, you can extend it for free — as many times as you need. There is no extra charge for extensions.

Question 10

What information do I include in a cattle listing?

Accepted Answer

Each listing includes photos, breed, class (such as bred heifers, open heifers, cow-calf pairs, bulls, or stocker cattle), head count, price per head, location, weight, health details, and a written description. Listings can also include registration and association information.

Question 11

Is it free to browse cattle listings on Herd Yard?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Anyone can browse all cattle listings on Herd Yard for free at herdyard.com/browse. You can filter by breed, class, category, and location using the interactive map. No account is required to browse, but you will need to create a free account to contact a seller.

Question 12

How do I buy cattle on Herd Yard?

Accepted Answer

Browse listings at herdyard.com/browse, filter by breed, class, or location, and find cattle that match your needs. Each listing shows photos, pricing, head count, breed, class, and the seller's Producer Profile. When you find cattle you are interested in, contact the seller directly through the platform's messaging system. You and the seller arrange the transaction directly — Herd Yard does not process payments or take ownership of cattle.

Question 13

Does Herd Yard process payments for cattle?

Accepted Answer

No. All payment and transaction details are handled directly between the buyer and seller. Herd Yard does not process payments, escrow funds, or take ownership of cattle at any point. The platform connects buyers and sellers — the rest is up to you.

Question 14

What is a Producer Profile on Herd Yard?

Accepted Answer

A Producer Profile is a branded page on Herd Yard that showcases your ranch or operation. It includes your ranch name, story, location, profile photo, social media links, and all of your active and sold listings. Buyers can follow your profile to stay updated when you list new cattle. Producer Profiles are included with the Producer Membership plan ($432/year).

Question 15

What is the difference between a Single Listing and a Producer Membership?

Accepted Answer

A Single Listing costs $45 and covers one listing for 60 days with free extensions. A Producer Membership costs $432/year and includes unlimited listings, a branded Producer Profile page, the ability to gain followers, and no commission on any sale. If you plan to list cattle more than a few times per year, the Producer Membership is the better value.

Question 16

Can cattle associations use Herd Yard?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Herd Yard offers an association tier for breed associations and producer organizations. Associations get a branded presence on the platform and their members can list cattle with an association badge. Contact info@herdyard.com for details on association partnerships.

Question 17

How do I contact Herd Yard for support?

Accepted Answer

You can reach the Herd Yard team by emailing info@herdyard.com. You can also connect with Herd Yard on Instagram (@herdyard), YouTube (@herdyard_USA), or Facebook (facebook.com/herdyard).

Frequently Asked Questions

About Herd Yard

Selling Cattle on Herd Yard

Buying Cattle on Herd Yard

Membership and Account