What is Detasseling?

The tassel is the top most part of a corn plant. As DE-tasselers, you walk down a row of corn and pull the top part of the plant off and drop it on the ground. Detasseling Season Generally starts after the 4th of July and usually lasts 3-4 weeks.

How does pulling the tops off Help?

We don't pull all of the tops off. The tassel contains the pollen that allows corn plants to reproduce. We pull the tassels from certain rows of corn and the pollen produced by the other rows (which are a different type of corn) cross pollinates the first rows. This produces the special seed corn that farmers want to plant.

 You maybe asking yourself "Why would I want to do that"?

Well, because that seed corn produces so much for the farmers, they will pay good money for it, and we  pay you good money to remove those tassels. Besides, it's a good way to make some money with your friends and have most of your summer free to do other things.

Is it Hard?

A machine has gone through the fields ahead of you, and the machines remove around 70% of the tassels. We're really just cleaning up the tassels that the machine misses. It is still no cake walk, so you will earn the money you make.

How long does it take to learn?

If you apply yourself, you can detassel like a pro after 3 days. We have people who will work with you to help you do the best job that you can. The real trick is to start your first day determined to work hard and do your best. Remember, it's only for a few weeks.

What To Wear

• Hat - They help. A baseball cap or straw hats are great.
• Shirts- You can wear two shirts. An outer long sleeve shirt for the mornings when it is cool and then take it off when it warms up, wearing a short sleeve shirt in the afternoon. You can change how you wear them after the first day. A long sleeve shirt also helps if the corn bothers your forearms.
• Outerwear -Bring a poncho or rain gear for the morning dew or when it rains. We do work in the rain.
• Pants -Light fabric pants work best. Some people wear shorts if corn leaves do not bother them.
• Socks & Shoes- Old tennis shoes work best. Work boots get heavy with mud and are hot, but some do like wearing them. Most of the time people throw out their tennis shoes at the end of the season.
• Gloves- Tight fitting light weight gloves work best. Dish washing gloves or tight gloves with the fingertips cut out also work.
• Accessories- Other things to bring could include sun glasses or protective eye glasses, sun block, bug spray, aspirin, and other personal health items. If you are allergic to bee stings or have allergies be sure to bring your proper medication.

What To Bring

• Water- Bring plenty, a 2-quart or gallon jug is recommended. Each bus or van will also have an extra supply the crew can use for refills. (Ice tea and Lemonade can also work)
• Food -Bring a cooler full of what you like. Fruit, cookies, sandwiches, chips, and snacks. Bring plenty the first day to give you a guide on what to bring the following days.
• DO NOT- Bring any cell phones, MP3 players, or any electrical/valuable item into the field they get lost easy and are nearly impossible to find. Munson's will not be held responsible for any lost items in the field.