A separator for separating plant stalks into components includes a feeder in the form of opposite endless conveyors which propel stalks against a splitter. The splitter comprises two oppositely traveling, notched bands which are in contact to define a cutting edge. Stalk sections have at least their pith removed by a milling roll disposed opposite a slower traveling hold-back belt, the latter controlling the speed of the stalk sections. The milling roll includes removable blades which are held in place by wedges and pairs of blades are adjusted by tiltable members at each blade end. The tiltable members move the blades into contact with reference surfaces on the milling roll to define a proper blade location. Stalks are fed to the separator by being dropped onto a chute which guides the stalks into separate feed passages, the latter being maintained throughout stalk travel through the separator. The chute includes passage divider walls having cutters for separating partially cut stalks which may become hung-up thereon. The stalks travel to a spreader station at which vertically superimposed conveyor belts spread the stalks into a single layer. A method for releasing a stuck journal from a roll includes screwing an ejector bolt into an end of the journal until, in effect, it pushes off from a fastening bolt of the journal and against the journal itself to release the latter.