FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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What is Corn Detasseling/Corn Topping?

Detasseling involves removing tassels that grow on a corn plant, which forces cross-pollination. The steps involved include finding the tassel, pulling it off, and dropping it to the ground. That is all there is to it! But it must be done right, or the crop will fail.

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How old do I have to be to work?

You must be at least 12 years old July 1st to work.

This is intended to give the youth an opportunity earn extra funds and learn more about working (i.e. work ethic, working as a team, working outside)

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How much will I get paid?

Starting pay is $8.00.  Returning Toppers and Crew Bosses will earn more based on experience.

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When will I be paid?

All employees will be paid after all fields are closed and KTop is paid by farmers.

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What paperwork will I need to apply for a position?
You will need two pieces of ID.

- One from the Government (IE Drivers License, Social Security Card, ETC)

- One that confirms your identity that is not government issued (IE School ID or a report card)

- A valid passport will fulfill both requirements.

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When do you start?

Usually around July 3-15

(whenever the corn is ready) --Everything depends on the weather and when the corn is ready. So, there is no set date when detasseling actually begins.

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Do you work Saturdays and Sundays?

YES! We work Saturdays as needed and we only work Sunday's only when absolutely necessary.  Unfortunately, the corn does not take a day off growing.

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What does a normal day schedule look like?

• You will get up early enough to arrive to the field assignment by 6am.

• If you are riding the bus it leaves at 5:35am

• Once you arrive at the field you will clock in so you get paid.

• Leaders will gather all to give instruction and tentative day schedule

• Teams will be assigned with a Crew Boss

• 30 minute unpaid lunch generally is around 11am

• After lunch we complete our daily field assignments and workers are given a 30-45 minute warning to notify drivers.

• As the season goes along we will go to several different fields each day.

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How long do you work?

First, the season usually last anywhere from 20-30 days.  

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Second, our days start at 6am & end anywhere between 1:00p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Basically when we finish our assigned fields for the day.

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What do you wear?

• Comfortable shoes (can walk several miles a day!)

• Comfortable and light clothes: Some wear jeans, others wear shorts, some long sleeve shirts while others short sleeve shirts.

• Raincoat or garbage bag-

  • The corn can be very wet in the morning from dew or rain. Many detasselers wear gear in the mornings to stay dry and warm, then remove it as the day progresses and the corn dries.

  • Bandanna/handkerchief tied around neck

 

What do you bring?

• 1 Gallon Water Jug (with your last name written on it)

• Cooler FULL of food

  • You are responsible for providing your own lunch. Many detasselers bring their lunch in a small cooler so they can use the cooler to sit on while they eat.​

• Bug Spray/Sunscreen

  • There is little to no shade, we highly recommend that you bring and wear sunscreen.​

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How do I get to/from the field?

As we prepare for workdays, please note that field locations will be shared with you in advance. As part of your responsibility, you are in charge of arranging transportation to the opening and closing field each day.

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We offer a convenient option: the KTOP Bus. This bus provides transportation to the fields.

Here are the details:

- Pickup: Kuna area
- Drop-off: Kuna (at the end of the day)
For more information, please refer to the KTOP Bus details.

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We encourage you to carpool.  Most days we will travel to multiple fields so you will be picked up at a different field than we started.

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When will I receive my paycheck?

After all fields are closed and KTop is paid.  More details will come as the season comes to the end.

Paychecks will be mailed out if they are not picked up at the end of the season.

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