My name is Eric Kessens and I have been an agricultural contractor for Pioneer Hi-Bred since 1993. I started corn detasseling, like most folks, when I was 13 years old, and I did this for three summers. I then became a crew leader for four summers, after which time I was given the opportunity to become a contractor for Pioneer.

I started out small those first few years, hiring around 50 to 70 workers. Now I hire over 150 workers every summer for the corn detasseling work. Most of the workers are 13 to 15 years old, with the adults acting as team leaders.

With such a large number of workers, people often ask me how I manage everyone. Each worker is placed in a crew; which is composed of 12 detasselers and a team leader. Most of the team leaders have worked for me for several years and are now old enough to lead a crew of detasselers. This is a person I have watched over the years as they detasseled and is a person I know is capable of doing the job as team leader.

Corn detasseling is not a job for everyone, but the only way to find out is to try it. As long as you are 13 years of age or older and are a legal resident of this country you are able to work. Some people find this job relatively easy and others find it the hardest job they have ever done in their life.

My goal for all workers is to have a great time, or as good as can be expected. I hope that every one that works has a good experience and learns what a good days work is. I try to teach people a good work ethic and when you start something to set out to finish it, no matter how hard or difficult it may seem. A sense of accomplishment in finishing out the season, means a lot to me and even more to the workers and their parents.

I treat all the workers with the same respect that I expect. I ask that each detasseler work each day that is requested, show respect to crew leaders and fellow detasselers, and do their best in the field to ensure safety, quality, and efficiency. Our crews work 6-8 hours per day. We offer excellent pay, incentives, and safety and a healthy work environment that nobody can touch. Our team leaders are focused on your safety and on pulling the crew together to work as a team.

Check out our Photo Gallery page to see how much fun we have! Hope to see YOU this summer!

Eric