{"id":1285,"date":"2026-08-21T08:25:08","date_gmt":"2026-08-21T08:25:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/foragebaler.com\/best-round-baler-for-beef-cattle-bale-size-herd-matching-and-9yq-model-guide\/"},"modified":"2026-08-21T08:25:08","modified_gmt":"2026-08-21T08:25:08","slug":"best-round-baler-for-beef-cattle-bale-size-herd-matching-and-9yq-model-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/foragebaler.com\/hi\/best-round-baler-for-beef-cattle-bale-size-herd-matching-and-9yq-model-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Round Baler for Beef Cattle: Bale Size, Herd Matching and 9YQ Model Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Industry Guide \u00b7 Beef Cattle Operations \u00b7 Updated August 2026<\/p>\n

Best Round Baler for Beef Cattle<\/h1>\n

Round bales are the standard hay format for beef cattle operations because they reduce labour per tonne fed, suit outdoor self-feeding systems and match the volume requirements of larger herds. The right bale size is the one your herd consumes in 3\u20135 days before spoilage begins<\/strong> on the open face. The 9YQ-870 suits herds under 15 cows; the 9YQ-1250 serves 15\u201340 cows; the 9YQ-1950 fits 40\u2013100 cows; and the 9YQ-2300 is the choice for 100+ head operations. This guide covers every factor in the round baler and bale-size decision for beef cattle producers.<\/p>\n

Covers: why round bales suit beef cattle \u00b7 matching bale size to herd \u00b7 consumption time calculation \u00b7 net wrap for outdoor storage \u00b7 feeders and waste reduction \u00b7 model comparison \u00b7 silage bales for beef<\/p>\n

\n Browse 9YQ Round Balers Matched to Beef Cattle Herd Size<\/a>
\n Get a Beef Cattle Round Baler Recommendation<\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

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Quick Answer \u2014 Round Baler Size by Beef Cattle Herd<\/div>\n
\n Under 15 cows \u2192 9YQ-870<\/span>
\n 15\u201340 cows \u2192 9YQ-1250<\/span>
\n 40\u2013100 cows \u2192 9YQ-1950<\/span>
\n 100+ cows \u2192 9YQ-2300<\/span>\n <\/div>\n

The goal: each bale is fully consumed within 3\u20135 days of being opened. Bales that sit open for more than 5 days in winter or 3 days in wet conditions begin spoiling from the face inward \u2014 increasing hay waste cost and reducing available nutrition per tonne purchased.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Why Round Bales Are the Standard for Beef Cattle Operations<\/h2>\n

Small square bales are impractical for beef cattle at any significant scale \u2014 a 50-cow herd consuming 15kg of hay dry matter per cow per day requires 750kg of hay daily, which is approximately 37 bales per day at 20kg per bale. Handling 37 small square bales to a winter feeding area is not sustainable as a daily labour commitment across a 90\u2013120 day winter feeding period. Round bales convert the same daily requirement into 1\u20132 baler passes to move and present a single large-format bale.<\/p>\n

Beyond labour efficiency, round bales suit beef cattle for a second reason: beef cattle are not nutritionally sensitive in the way dairy cows and horses are. A lactating beef cow crude protein requirement of 10\u201312% is achievable with good-quality mixed grass hay or lower-grade alfalfa \u2014 the hay does not need to be boot-stage timothy or Supreme-grade alfalfa. This means round bale producers for the beef market have considerably more flexibility in cutting stage, crop variety and storage method while still meeting buyer requirements.<\/p>\n

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Matching Bale Size to Herd: The Consumption Time Calculation<\/h2>\n

The most important calculation in selecting a round baler for beef cattle is: how many days will one bale last your herd? The target consumption window is 3\u20135 days. Below 3 days: you are moving bales too frequently and losing the labour efficiency advantage of round bales. Above 5 days (or above 3 days in wet, mild conditions): the open bale face spoils from weathering faster than the cattle can consume it, and dry matter losses from the outer layer increase feed waste cost.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\u0928\u092e\u0942\u0928\u093e<\/th>\n\u0917\u0920\u094d\u0920\u093e \u0935\u094d\u092f\u093e\u0938<\/th>\n\u0938\u093e\u092e\u093e\u0928\u094d\u092f \u0917\u0920\u094d\u0920\u093e \u0935\u091c\u0928<\/th>\nDays to Consume
(15 kg\/cow\/day)<\/th>\n		Optimal Herd Size<\/th>\nMin PTO HP<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
9YQ-870<\/td>\n870 mm<\/td>\n100\u2013160 kg<\/td>\n7\u201311 days (5 cows)
3\u20135 days (8\u201310 cows)<\/td>\n		5\u201315 cows<\/td>\n40 HP<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
9YQ-1250<\/td>\n1,250 mm<\/td>\n250\u2013380 kg<\/td>\n4\u20135 days (25 cows)
3\u20134 days (40 cows)<\/td>\n		15\u201340 cows<\/td>\n55 HP<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
9YQ-1950<\/td>\n1,950 mm<\/td>\n400\u2013650 kg<\/td>\n4\u20135 days (50 cows)
3\u20134 days (80 cows)<\/td>\n		40\u2013100 cows<\/td>\n75 \u090f\u091a\u092a\u0940<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
9YQ-2300<\/td>\n2,300 mm<\/td>\n650\u20131,000 kg<\/td>\n4\u20135 days (120 cows)
3\u20134 days (160 cows)<\/td>\n		100\u2013200+ cows<\/td>\n100 \u090f\u091a\u092a\u0940<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

Consumption estimates at 15 kg dry matter per cow per day (typical mature beef cow winter maintenance). Bulls and growing stock have higher requirements; dry cows in good condition may consume less. Adjust calculations for your specific herd composition.<\/p>\n

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9YQ Model Guide for Beef Cattle Operations<\/h2>\n

\"9YQ-870<\/p>\n

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9YQ-870 \u2014 Small Cow-Calf and Stocker Operations<\/span>5\u201315 cows \u00b7 40HP min<\/span><\/div>\n
The 870mm bale at 100\u2013160kg is the only round bale format that avoids excessive spoilage for small beef cattle operations. A 10-cow herd at 15kg daily consumption per cow finishes a 150kg bale in approximately 1 day \u2014 move a new bale to the feeder every day. This daily handling is labour but the bale never sits open long enough to spoil. Pairs with compact utility tractors already on small farms. Manual bale movement is possible for the smallest bales but typically requires a tractor front loader spike for practical operation.<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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9YQ-1250 \u2014 Most Versatile Small-Medium Cattle Model<\/span>15\u201340 cows \u00b7 55HP min<\/span><\/div>\n
The 1,250mm bale at 250\u2013380kg is the most widely used round bale format for US beef cattle operations in the 15\u201350 cow range. This bale fits standard ring feeders (most designed for 1,200\u20131,350mm diameter), handles with a mid-size front loader and completes in 3\u20134 days for a 25\u201330 cow herd \u2014 the ideal consumption window. Wide market availability of ring feeders, bale trailers and bale spikes at this diameter makes the 9YQ-1250 the easiest model to integrate into an existing small beef operation equipment inventory.<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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9YQ-1950 \u2014 Mid-Size Commercial Cattle Standard<\/span>40\u2013100 cows \u00b7 75HP min<\/span><\/div>\n
The 1,950mm bale at 400\u2013650kg is the preferred format for medium beef cattle operations and silage production. A 60-cow herd at 15kg per cow completes a 500kg bale in approximately 3.5 days \u2014 ideal. This bale size is also the most commonly specified for bermudagrass and mixed grass hay destined for the cattle market, and is the lower end of round bale sizes suitable for road transport on a standard bale trailer for producers selling hay to neighbouring cattle farms.<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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9YQ-2300 \u2014 Large Commercial and Feedlot Operations<\/span>100+ cows \u00b7 100HP min<\/span><\/div>\n
The 2,300mm bale at 650\u20131,000kg produces the lowest labour cost per tonne of any round baler format \u2014 fewer bales to move, fewer bale placements per feeding cycle. For a 150-cow herd at 15kg per cow: a 750kg bale lasts approximately 3.5 days, which is the optimal window. Requires a heavy front loader or telehandler and is not practical without dedicated bale handling equipment. Most efficient on large flat paddocks with drive-through ring feeder systems.<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\"9YQ-1250<\/p>\n

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Net Wrap for Outdoor Storage \u2014 Why It Matters for Beef Cattle Economics<\/h2>\n

Beef cattle operations typically store round bales outdoors \u2014 the volume of bales required for a 100-head winter feeding program makes indoor storage impractical for most operations. Outdoor-stored round bales without net wrap lose 15\u201325% of dry matter from weathering over a 6-month storage period. At $100 per tonne and 500kg per bale, this represents $7.50\u2013$12.50 per bale in lost feed value \u2014 more than the cost of net wrap material per bale.<\/p>\n

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Without Net Wrap \u2014 Outdoor Storage<\/div>\n
DM loss: 15\u201325% over 6 months
Cause: rain penetration through twine gaps, ground contact moisture wicking, UV oxidation of outer layer
Financial loss per 500kg bale at $100\/tonne: $7.50\u2013$12.50<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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With Net Wrap \u2014 Outdoor Storage<\/div>\n
DM loss: 5\u201310% over 6 months
Cause: only bale ends and base exposed; cylindrical surface sheds rain effectively
Financial loss per 500kg bale: $2.50\u2013$5.00
Net wrap cost per bale: $0.90\u2013$1.50
Net saving: $4\u2013$9 per bale<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Ring Feeders: The Second Biggest Factor in Round Bale Economics<\/h2>\n

\"9YQ-1950<\/p>\n

Ring feeders (round bale feeder rings) reduce feed waste by physically restricting cattle access to a small section of the bale face at a time, preventing the nose-sorting and trampling waste that occurs when cattle have unrestricted access. The difference in waste between a cattle herd fed from a loose bale on the ground versus a ring feeder is substantial:<\/p>\n

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25\u2013351\u091f\u0940\u092a\u09405\u091f\u0940<\/div>\n
Waste without ring feeder<\/div>\n

Cattle nose-sort, trample and soil 25\u201335% of bale before consuming<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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5\u2013151\u091f\u0940\u092a\u09405\u091f\u0940<\/div>\n
Waste with ring feeder<\/div>\n

Feeder restricts access, reduces nose-sorting and keeps dropped hay off ground<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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$4\u2013$10<\/div>\n
Saving per bale (500kg, $100\/t)<\/div>\n

Ring feeder ROI typically achieved in one winter feeding season<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Ring feeder diameter should be matched to the round bale diameter \u2014 most standard ring feeders are designed for 1,200\u20131,350mm diameter bales (matching the 9YQ-1250) or 1,800\u20132,000mm diameter bales (matching the 9YQ-1950). Confirm ring feeder compatibility before purchasing either the baler or the feeders.<\/p>\n

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Round Baler PTO Drive for All-Season Beef Cattle Hay Production<\/h3>\n
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\n \"agricultural
\n <\/a><\/p>\n

PTO shaft and gearbox specifications for 9YQ round balers by model: agricultural gearbox and PTO shaft guide for beef cattle round balers<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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Beef cattle round baling often involves long daily sessions during peak summer hay production \u2014 a 300-bale day with the 9YQ-1950 at 75HP for 10 hours puts sustained load on every driveline component. CV joint failure during a peak-season session can leave hundreds of bales of cut hay in the field past its optimal baling moisture. Annual pre-season inspection of the PTO driveshaft \u2014 checking CV joint boot condition, telescoping section movement and all grease fittings \u2014 prevents the most common in-field failures. Full inspection and sizing guide: PTO driveshaft inspection guide for round baler beef cattle operations<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n


\n\"round<\/p>\n

Frequently Asked Questions \u2014 Round Baler for Beef Cattle<\/h2>\n
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\nCan I use the same round baler for both beef cattle hay and silage?+<\/span><\/summary>\n
Yes \u2014 all 9YQ round balers are suitable for both hay and silage (haylage) baling. For silage: bale the crop at 40\u201355% moisture with net wrap (one layer under the stretch film), then apply 4\u20136 layers of stretch film immediately after baling \u2014 on the same day \u2014 using a separate bale wrapper machine. The 9YQ produces the correctly shaped bale for a bale wrapper; the tight cylindrical shape from the fixed-chamber design ensures clean film application without air gaps. Beef cattle silage bales are valuable for winter feeding \u2014 they deliver 15\u201330% more digestible energy per tonne than dry hay from the same crop, making them particularly useful for thin cows, young growing stock or bulls in the breeding season where extra condition is needed.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n
\nWhat is the best way to feed round bales to beef cattle in winter?+<\/span><\/summary>\n
The three standard beef cattle round bale feeding methods ranked by feed waste (lowest to highest): (1) Ring feeder on a concrete pad \u2014 the concrete prevents mud and manure accumulation around the bale, reducing the soiling of dropped hay that cattle would otherwise consume. Ring feeder reduces waste to 5\u201310%. (2) Ring feeder on a graveled area \u2014 partial mud reduction, waste approximately 8\u201312%. (3) Bare ground without feeder \u2014 worst outcome: 25\u201335% waste, high mud contamination, potential for cattle to stand and lie in the hay, and cattle trampling the outer bale layers before consuming them. Concrete feeding pads with ring feeders have an upfront cost but pay back through reduced hay waste in 1\u20132 seasons for most operations. Moving the ring feeder position periodically prevents the permanent soil compaction and pathogen buildup that develops under a fixed ring feeder on bare ground.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n
\nHow much hay does a 500kg beef cow need per day in winter?+<\/span><\/summary>\n
A dry, 500kg beef cow in good condition (body condition score 5\u20136) consumes approximately 12\u201315kg of hay dry matter per day during winter maintenance. This represents 2.5\u20133% of her body weight in dry matter daily, which is the standard figure for maintenance feeding of resting beef cows. Cows in the last trimester of pregnancy (3rd trimester) require 15\u201318kg per day as fetal growth increases energy demand. Lactating cows (early postpartum) require 16\u201320kg of hay dry matter per day if the hay is the primary ration component, dropping to 14\u201316kg if supplemental grain is provided. Young stock (yearlings, two-year-olds) require 8\u201312kg per day depending on body weight and growth target. Use these figures to calculate the correct bale size for your specific herd composition \u2014 a mixed herd of dry cows, pregnant cows and yearlings has different average requirements than a uniform herd of dry mature cows.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n
\nHow long can round bales be stored outdoors for beef cattle?+<\/span><\/summary>\n
Net-wrapped round bales can be stored outdoors for 4\u20138 months before the dry matter losses become economically significant. At 5\u201310% DM loss per 6 months in typical US outdoor conditions with net wrap, a 500kg bale retains 450\u2013475kg of usable hay after 6 months of outdoor net-wrapped storage \u2014 acceptable for beef cattle hay where the economic margin on each bale is narrower than for horse or dairy hay. Twine-wrapped bales stored outdoors should be used within 3\u20134 months to avoid DM losses exceeding 20%. For bales stored beyond 8 months: inspect the outer 50\u2013100mm layer before feeding \u2014 this layer typically has the highest weathering damage and may be mold-affected even when the interior is acceptable. Cattle will reject visibly moldy hay in most cases; if consumption is poor despite apparent hunger, open the bale and check for internal mold before assuming the cattle are not hungry.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n
\nWhat crop produces the most round bales per acre for beef cattle?+<\/span><\/summary>\n
For total round bale yield per acre: bermudagrass in the Southeast US is the highest-yielding warm-season perennial hay crop, producing 4\u20138 tonnes per acre per season in irrigated conditions (3\u20136 tonnes rainfed), which translates to 8\u201316 round bales per acre at 500kg per bale per season across 4\u20136 cuttings. Sorghum sudangrass is the highest-yielding annual option: 5\u201310 tonnes per acre per season in warm climates from 2\u20133 cuttings, producing 10\u201320 round bales per acre. For the northern US: orchardgrass and mixed grass hay yield 2\u20134 tonnes per acre from 2\u20133 cuttings (4\u20138 bales per acre per season). Alfalfa in the Midwest yields 3\u20135 tonnes per acre rainfed (6\u201310 round bales per acre). For beef cattle where the primary goal is maximising tonnes of feed per acre at acceptable cost per tonne \u2014 not maximum crude protein \u2014 bermudagrass (Southeast) or orchardgrass\/mixed (Midwest, Northeast) are the most economically efficient choices in their respective regions.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n
\nShould I buy the 9YQ-1250 or the 9YQ-1950 for a 50-cow herd?+<\/span><\/summary>\n
For a 50-cow herd: the 9YQ-1950 is the correct model. A 50-cow herd at 15kg per cow per day consumes 750kg per day. A 9YQ-1250 bale at 300kg average weight lasts only 0.4 days (under 10 hours) \u2014 you would need to move 2\u20133 bales per day, which negates the labour efficiency of round baling. A 9YQ-1950 bale at 500kg average lasts approximately 0.67 days \u2014 still short of the ideal 3\u20135 day target. To reach the 3\u20135 day target for a 50-cow herd: you would need to feed 2 bales simultaneously (total 1,000kg, lasting 1.3 days at 15kg\/cow) or use a 9YQ-2300 bale at 800kg (lasting approximately 1 day). The realistic answer for a 50-cow herd: the 9YQ-1950 feeding 2 bales simultaneously through 2 ring feeders is the standard approach. Place 2 bales every 1\u20132 days rather than 1 bale every day \u2014 this is the labour compromise between bale size and consumption time for mid-size herds. Upgrade to the 9YQ-2300 when the herd consistently exceeds 80\u2013100 cows.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n
\nIs there a tractor HP I already own that determines which 9YQ model makes sense?+<\/span><\/summary>\n
Yes \u2014 the tractor you already own is often the most practical starting constraint. A compact utility tractor at 40\u201350HP engine rating (approximately 34\u201343HP PTO) can only run the 9YQ-870. A mid-size tractor at 60\u201375HP engine (50\u201364HP PTO) works with the 9YQ-1250 comfortably and the 9YQ-1950 at minimum. A full-size utility tractor at 85\u2013100HP engine (72\u201385HP PTO) is well-matched to the 9YQ-1950 and is at the minimum for the 9YQ-2300. If the most-logical bale size for your herd requires a model that exceeds your current tractor, compare the cost of a tractor upgrade versus the daily labour cost of moving more bales with the smaller model over the winter feeding season \u2014 in many cases, 10\u201315 years of additional bale-moving labour exceeds a tractor upgrade cost.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n
\nWhat hay quality should I target for beef cattle round bales?+<\/span><\/summary>\n
Dry, mature beef cows in good condition (BCS 5+) during winter maintenance can be fed hay at 8\u201312% crude protein and RFV 80\u2013120 \u2014 which is achievable with mid-bloom or later-cut grass hay, straw supplements or lower-grade mixed hay. This is why beef cattle round hay costs less per tonne than horse or dairy hay: the quality specification is achievable with later-cut, higher-yield hay that is not suitable for more demanding livestock. However, late-pregnant cows (last 60 days of pregnancy) and lactating cows with calves at foot require 12\u201314% CP and RFV 120\u2013150 to support calf growth and cow condition recovery. If cow body condition deteriorates noticeably during winter feeding, the hay quality is likely insufficient for the production stage \u2014 forage-test a representative sample from each batch and compare to requirements for your specific herd at each production stage. The cheapest hay per bale is not always the lowest cost per unit of production if cow condition suffers and reproductive performance declines as a result.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

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Which 9YQ Round Baler Matches Your Cattle Operation?<\/p>\n

Tell us your herd size, tractor HP and hay crop and we will confirm which 9YQ round baler model<\/a> produces the right bale size for your feeding system.<\/p>\n

\n Match Your Herd Size to the Right 9YQ Round Baler<\/a>
\n Compare 9YQ Round Baler Models for Beef Cattle<\/a>\n <\/div>\n

\u0905\u092e\u0947\u0930\u093f\u0915\u093e \u090f\u0935\u0930-\u092a\u093e\u0935\u0930 \u092b\u094b\u0930\u0947\u091c \u092c\u0947\u0932\u0930 \u0907\u0915\u094d\u0935\u093f\u092a\u092e\u0947\u0902\u091f \u0907\u0902\u0915. \u00b7 1401 21\u0935\u0940\u0902 \u0938\u094d\u091f\u094d\u0930\u0940\u091f, \u0938\u0948\u0915\u094d\u0930\u093e\u092e\u0947\u0902\u091f\u094b, \u0915\u0948\u0932\u093f\u092b\u094b\u0930\u094d\u0928\u093f\u092f\u093e 95811<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\u0938\u0902\u092a\u093e\u0926\u0915: \u0938\u0940\u090f\u0915\u094d\u0938\u090f\u092e<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Industry Guide \u00b7 Beef Cattle Operations \u00b7 Updated August 2026 Best Round Baler for Beef Cattle Round bales are the standard hay format for beef cattle operations because they reduce labour per tonne fed, suit outdoor self-feeding systems and match the volume requirements of larger herds. The right bale size is the one your herd […]<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[28],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1285","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-forage-baler"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/foragebaler.com\/hi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1285","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/foragebaler.com\/hi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/foragebaler.com\/hi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/foragebaler.com\/hi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/foragebaler.com\/hi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1285"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/foragebaler.com\/hi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1285\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/foragebaler.com\/hi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1285"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/foragebaler.com\/hi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1285"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/foragebaler.com\/hi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1285"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}