The present invention relates to an automatic bale strapping mechanism for dispensing, cutting, and securing strapping material around a bale of material being formed by a baling press. The automatic bale strapping mechanism can be an integral component or series of components to a conventional baling press. The bale strapping mechanism includes a draw and cutter assembly comprising a mobile draw carriage that draws strapping material a predetermined distance for cutting. The bale strapping mechanism can also include a dispensing mechanism which dispenses strapping material and an insertion assembly which carries strapping material through an extrusion chamber chute of a baling press. Methods of automatically drawing and cutting strapping material are also an aspect of the present invention.