In a sickle cutting system, it has been found that a significant reductionin average stubble length, which is calculated based on the distance crop ispushedforwardly without cutting occurring, can be obtained by a combination of oneor moreof the features where the cutting stroke is reduced from the conventionallength of3.0 inches to a value of the order of 2.0 inches； the length of the cuttingedge ofeach knife blade is increased to a length greater than 2.2 inches； the widthat therear of the ledger surface of each guard is increased to greater than 1.0inches； andthe front edge of the blade is formed with an apex to shed crop material toone orother side of the apex.
