an apparatus for packaging fibrous material in uniform , high density , self supporting , packages . fibrous materials , such as alfalfa hay , grasses , etc . in the form of bales or loose material , are received . the material is moved through a cutting device , if needed , to form uniform sized portions , the material is formed into a level stream on a conveyor , measured into selected quantities and compressed to form very dense , self supporting packages . preferably , the packages are inserted into plastic film enclosures for handling and shipping . this material is much more convenient and economical to ship and store than the much larger equivalent weight of loose , uncompacted material . preferred mechanisms for stripping bands from bales , cutting and milling the received material to a desired size distribution and for weighing and compressing the material are also disclosed .