An improved baler and a method of using the improved baler to produce high density bales. The baler comprises a pick-up assembly (15,16,17,200) configured to pick-up crop material (60, 205) a compression assembly comprising at least one pair of opposing compression rollers (100a, 100b 220a, 220b) configured to generate a pressure on the crop material (60,205) sufficient to crush the nodes as it passes between the compression rollers (100a, 100b 220a, 220b) and a bale chamber (19,250), wherein the crushed crop forms a bale. The compression rollers (100a, 100b 220a, 220b) define an adjustable gap therebetween. By adjusting the gap, a pressure sufficient to crush the nodes of the crop may be exerted on the crop material (60, 205) as it passes between the compression rollers (100a, 100b 220a, 220b) may be controlled, resulting in bales of higher density than conventional bales.
