stockyards

A stockyard is a specialized facility where livestock, such as cattle, pigs, or sheep, are gathered, held, and prepared for sale, transport, or processing. It serves as a centralized location for farmers and ranchers to bring animals, which are then sorted, weighed, and sometimes vaccinated or inspected. Stockyards facilitate efficient trading and transportation, acting as a link between producers and processors or markets. They are typically equipped with pens, loading docks, and handling equipment to manage large numbers of animals safely and efficiently.