A method and apparatus for removing dust and dirt before baling uses a baler having a baling chamber, a pickup for picking up material to be baled from the ground and an inlet section between the pickup and the baling chamber. The inlet section has a perforated member at the bottom thereof, the perforated member forming a part of an air chamber. A blower attached to the air chamber is used for pulling air from the inlet section, through the perforated member and from the air chamber whereby dirt will be extracted from the inlet section before such dirt enters the baling chamber.