Community Guidelines

The Herd Manager marketplace and messaging features connect goat farmers across the country. We want this to be a place where you can confidently buy goats, sell genetics, and share knowledge with other people in the community.

To keep that working, we need a few rules. Most of these are common sense — they apply to anyone using the messaging system or marketplace.

What's not allowed

✗ Harassment, threats, or abuse. Don't send messages that attack, threaten, intimidate, or demean other users. This includes hate speech of any kind.

✗ Scams or fraud. Don't list goats or products you don't own, can't deliver, or are misrepresenting. Don't try to scam buyers with fake transactions, fake registration papers, or "too good to be true" deals.

✗ Spam. Don't send unsolicited promotional messages, mass-message users, or repeatedly contact someone after they've stopped responding.

✗ Inappropriate content. No sexual content, graphic violence, or imagery showing animal abuse. The marketplace is for goats and goat-related products only.

✗ Impersonation. Don't pretend to be another farm, breeder, or person. Don't use a public farm name that isn't yours.

✗ Illegal activity. Don't use Herd Manager to facilitate any activity that's illegal where you or the buyer/seller are located. This includes interstate transport that violates animal health regulations.

✗ Misleading listings. Don't misrepresent age, breed, registration status, health condition, or pedigree. Buyers rely on listing accuracy to make informed decisions.

What's encouraged

✓ Honest, accurate listings. Include real photos, accurate weights/ages, and any known health considerations.

✓ Friendly communication. Respond to inquiries professionally, even if you're not interested in the deal.

✓ Sharing knowledge. Help newer farmers learn. Goat farming is a community.

✓ Reporting bad actors. If you encounter behavior that violates these guidelines, use the report feature so we can act on it.

How to report a message

If you receive a message that violates these guidelines:

1. Open the conversation
2. Tap the ⋯ menu next to the message
3. Choose Report message
4. Select a reason and add any context
5. Submit

Reports are reviewed by our team, typically within 5 business days. We don't share who reported what — your report stays confidential.

How to block someone

If you don't want to interact with another user at all:

• From a conversation: Tap the ⋮ menu in the conversation header → Block User
• From a farm profile: Tap the 🚫 Block button on the profile page

When you block someone:

• You won't see their messages in your inbox
• Their marketplace listings won't appear in your view
• They can't start new conversations with you
• They aren't notified that you blocked them

You can manage your blocked users — and unblock anyone — from Settings → Privacy & Safety → Manage Blocked Users.

Our review process

When we receive a report, we look at the reported message in context, check the reported user's history with us, and decide on an action. Possible outcomes:

• No action. The report doesn't show a violation. We close it.
• Warning. We email the reported user to clarify our guidelines. Most users adjust their behavior here.
• Temporary suspension. Repeat offenders or serious violations result in a temporary loss of marketplace and messaging access.
• Permanent removal. For severe or repeated violations (especially fraud, harassment, or illegal activity), we permanently disable the account.

We try to be fair and consistent. If you disagree with an action we took on your account, you can email us at team@herdmanager.app with subject "Guidelines Appeal" and we'll review.

Selling and buying — best practices

Beyond our guidelines, here are practical tips for safe transactions:

• Don't pre-pay strangers for goats you haven't seen. Either visit in person or use a payment method with buyer protection.
• Verify registration papers independently with ADGA, AGS, NPGA, or your breed registry before purchase.
• Discuss health requirements for interstate transport before agreeing to a deal. Both parties are responsible for compliance.
• Get any guarantees in writing. Email or text — anything you can refer back to.
• Trust your instincts. If something feels off, walk away.

Questions?

If something isn't clear or you need help with a situation that doesn't fit the report flow, email us: