In an axial flow combine, an improved inlet transition area for changing the flow of crop materials from a linear ribbon-like flow through the feeder to an arcuate ribbon-like flow about the flighting of the inlet end of the rotor to a helical sleeve flow between the rotor and rotor casing while at the same time injecting crop materials in all portions of the flighting. A sloping ramp extends upwardly and rearwardly from the feeder to an elliptical intersection with the rotor casing. A pair of oppositely disposed sidewalls in generally perpendicular relation to the ramp extend from the feeder and converge about the inlet end of the rotor at an upper portion of the rotor casing. Another wall between the sidewalls, oppositely disposed from the ramp, encloses the inlet transition area. A rotary beater disposed between the sidewalls and in close proximity to the inlet end of the rotor rotates at a higher tangential velocity than the feeder to direct and accelerate the crop materials upwardly and rearwardly along the sloped ramp and the converging sidewalls to entrain the crop materials about all portions of the flighting of the rotor in an arcuate ribbon-like manner. All of the surfaces of the inlet transition area are either planar or cylindrical for ease and economy of manufacture and fabrication. Related methods are disclosed.