One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for an independent needle drive system for an agricultural baler. Typical balers utilize a knotter drive shaft to operate both the knotter drive and needle drive. In this innovation, the knotter drive shaft and needle drive are independently operated to provide additional uses for the rotation of the knotter drive shaft. An independent needle drive crank arm free-floats on a smooth portion of the knotter drive shaft, and a knotter clutch is engaged separately on a splined portion. Rotation of a clutch bowl engages the knotter clutch and knotter shaft independently from the needle crank arm. In this way, the needle drive and knotter drive can operate independently from each other.