A bale cutter (1) has a support frame (2) with outwardly extending tines (22) forming a support (3) for a wrapped bale of fodder. A cutter head (26) is carried by support arms (27) which pivot on the frame (2) and is movable downwardly through a bale mounted on the tines (22) by rams (38) extending between the frame (2) and the support arms (27). A bale cover retainer (5) comprises a set of spaced-apart claws (6) movable by means of an actuating ram between a retracted disengaged position on the frame (2) and an extended bale engaging position in which the claws (6) pierce the bale cover and extend into the bale to retain the bale cover when the bale is cut open by the cutter head (26) to discharge the fodder.
