Abstract: The leading end of a continuous tubular supply is fed past a rotating flywheel into a guide. When the leading end reaches the back of the guide, a blade mounted on the flywheel severs the supply to form a straw or stirring stick. The straw is immediately ejected from the guide and is swept into the entrant portion of a feeder by a rotary brush. The feeder is provided with a stem-propelling run that is formed from a pair of top V-belts and a wide underbelt and between which the straw is propelled to a collecting hopper. Successive straws are pushed into the hopper under the impetus of the conveyor belts.