A header (20) for an agricultural combine (10) comprises a laterally extending frame (28) supporting a laterally extending cutter bar (54) and left and right lateral belt conveyors (32, 34) supported on the frame (28). Each of the belt conveyors (32, 34) has a feeding direction from an outer side end towards a center of the header (20). Rotationally drivable left and right crop compression rollers (74) are supported on the frame (28) above the left and right lateral belt conveyors (32, 34). The crop compression rollers (74) extend substantially over the length of the left and right lateral belt conveyors (32, 34) and have a smooth cylindrical surface.