What is detasseling?


Detasseling is removing the tassel from the tops of corn plants and dropping them on the ground. It is a form of pollination control, employed to cross-breed, or hybridize, two varieties of corn. Fields of corn that will be detasseled are planted with two varieties of corn. Removing the tassels from all the plants of one variety leaves the grain that is growing on those plants to be fertilized by the tassels of the other, resulting in a hybrid.  

What do detasselers do?

As a detasseler, you will be assigned each day to a crew of 12-15 employees with a crew leader and crew assistant. You will then be transported to a DHI field. At the field, your crew leader will assign you a row of corn. Your job is to remove the tassel from each and every corn plant in your row. That's it! It's that simple!

How much money do detasselers earn?

How much money you earn is entirely up to you. If you quit or get fired, you will receive minimum wage. All others will be paid according to our rating system. Each day, your crew leader will assess your work and give you a rating based on your attitude and your ability to do your job. At the end of the season, we average your daily ratings and base your pay off that. The better job you do, the more you get paid per hour! There are also added bonuses for perfect attendance and promotion to our elite crews.

When will work begin?

Unfortunately, we cannot give a specific date. Work begins whenever the corn decides it's ready. Planting dates and weather conditions are big factors. We usually start around the 2nd or 3rd week of July. Work will then endure for 4-6 weeks. Our work week is Monday - Saturday, 7:30am - 4:30 pm.

Involved in summer activities? Not a problem.

We understand you are young and enjoying life to it's fullest (at least we hope you are!) If you are involved in sports or band, you have another part time job, or you have a vacation planned, we can work with you to find a schedule that fits your life. 

DHI summer employment takes place outside during the hottest months Ohio has to offer. Safety of our employees is our number one priority. However, safety starts with you. Employees are encouraged to wear sunscreen, head coverings, and sunglasses to protect themselves from the sun. We also encourage you to drink tons of water, NOT pop nor energy drinks. Get a good nights rest, eat a healthy breakfast, pack a light lunch, and eat a healthy dinner. Avoid being a couch potato in the weeks leading up to employment at DHI. Get outside and prepare your body to withstand the heat 8 hours a day for 4-6 weeks. 

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