Abstract: A rotary baling machine for forming large cylindrical bales of cut crop material such as hay which includes an improved twine feeding mechanism for winding twine around the formed bales and an improved articulated drive shaft extending from the power source of the towing vehicle to the power transmitting means of the baling machine for driving the baling mechanism. The twine feeding mechanism includes an improved twine guiding and feeding means which permits controlled and uniform wrapping of twine around the desired length of the bale and further includes a simplified means for cutting the twine at the completion of each bale wrapping cycle. The twine feeding mechanism is driven by a hydraulic means which can be readily controlled by the tractor operator whereby the operator can regulate the amount and position of twine wound around the bale.