Abstract: Bale handling and hay distributing apparatus comprises a round-bale holder equipped with a device for rotating the bale around its central axis and a hay shredding unit. The bale holder is supported by a lift mechanism having a pair of vertically movable, projecting arms at the end of which the holder is pivotally connected. A device for rotating the bale holder with respect to the supporting lift mechanism is provided, so that the holder can be positioned in a hay dispensing position and in two different bale loading positions respectively rotated of an angle of 90.degree. and 180.degree. with respect to the hay dispensing position. Hooks projecting from the longitudinal sides of the holder are provided having a cooperating jaw-movement for grasping the bale during loading operation.