To find the volume of a cylinder, you can use the formula:
\[ V = \pi r^2 h \]
where:
- \(V\) is the volume,
- \(r\) is the radius,
- \(h\) is the height.
Given that the radius \(r\) is 9 yards and the height \(h\) is 17 yards, we can substitute these values into the formula:
\[ V = \pi (9)^2 (17) \]
Calculating \(9^2\):
\[ 9^2 = 81 \]
Now substitute this back into the volume formula:
\[ V = \pi (81) (17) \]
Next, calculate \(81 \times 17\):
\[ 81 \times 17 = 1377 \]
Now substitute \(1377\) back into the equation for volume:
\[ V = 1377\pi \]
Thus, the volume of the cylinder is:
\[ \boxed{1377\pi} \text{ cubic yards} \]