A fiber processing machine includes a sliver drafting unit which has first and second adjoining roll assemblies each defining a nip through which a sliver runs in a sliver advancing direction. The second roll assembly is spaced downstream of the first roll assembly. The nips of the first and second roll assemblies together define a principal drafting field and the drafting direction thereof. At least two pressure bars are disposed in the principal drafting field for contacting and deflecting the sliver from the drafting direction as the sliver advances from the first roll assembly to the second roll assembly.