Abstract: A method for removing packaging from a cotton or similar bale comprises delivering the bale to a first station and fixing the bale in position at the station. A cutter mechanism is driven along the length of the bale to cut the bale strips. The bale is then released and passed to a second station where the strapping and a portion of the wrappings are removed. The bale is then passed to a third station where the bale is rotated 180 degrees about a transverse axis. The bale is passed to a fourth station where the remaining wrappings are removed. The bale is then transferred to a fifth station where the bale is made available for further processing of the cotton.