The Bauer’s Detasseling, LLC
Welcome!
What We Do?
We are contracted by Wyffels Hybrids Seed Company. Wyffels will go through the fields first using machines to cut and pull the tassels. Our job is to pick any tassel left behind. For those of you that are new to detasseling, you will be given instruction on the first day.
When do we start?
The detasseling season usually starts around June 1st. You will be notified at least 2 to 3 days before the first work day. The first day we may bring our experienced workers only, depending on the size of our first field. For this reason do not worry if we do not contact you right away.
How long is the season?
7-8 weeks, these numbers are only a general rule of thumb. The actual length depends on the growing season and weather.
Transportation
Daily transportation is provided to and from the fields. Please be at your pick up 10 minutes early.
Pick up and drop off location and times are as follows:
Mt. Morris - location David L Rahn Junior High@ 5:15 a.m.
Oregon - location in front of Jefferson School departs @ 5:30 a.m.
If you miss the Mt. Morris bus you can try and make the Oregon bus at 5:30 a.m.
Stillman Valley – Meridien Junior High parking lot @ 5:00 am.
If you miss the Stillman Valley bus you can try and make the Byron bus @ 5:15 am or Oregon @ 5:30 am
Byron– location middle school parking lot @ 5:15 a.m.
Polo - location Polo High school parking lot @ 5:00 a.m.
Dixon - To Be Determined. More to come in 2024.
Our goal for return time to these locations is between 3:00 & 4:00p.m. This time varies from day to day. If the heat index is high we end the work day early, leaving the fields by 11:30 a.m.
Bus Stop
There is no SUPERVISION at the bus stop. You are responsible for your child until the bus arrives. Once the bus arrives everyone will load the bus and sign in. If your child shows up at the bus stop and they were not called to work we will ask them to exit the bus. It is important they listen for instructions at the end of the day if they are expected to work the next day. You are always more than welcome to text or call us if they are unsure.
Signing In
This will be done on the bus when you get on in the morning. A sign in sheet will be pasted around. You will put your initials by your name; make sure it’s by your name. Your bus driver will do a head count before the bus leaves the parking lot and will match the head count with the number that signed in. This is how we keep track of who is at work for that day, that number has to match the head count before we leave the field for the day. If you come on a certain bus make sure you get on the same bus at the end of the day. If you need to go on a different bus home you must make arrangements first with the bus drivers.
Fields
Most of the fields we work at are in the Ashton/Franklin Grove vicinity also Tampico and Prophetstown. Travel time to the first field of the day and the ride home are not included in your wage.
Work
We work every day! Rain or shine, 7 days a week! Unless told otherwise. If it is raining and storming in the morning. We will still leave at the same time, more often than not, by the time we reach the field the storms have past. Safety of all workers come first! If during the work day a storm begins to move into the local area, we will sound horns signaling all detasselers to immediately exit the field. Crew leaders will ensure that all members of their team are together and have exited the field in the direction of the nearest bus. We will wait at least a half-an-hour after the last strike before sending anybody into the field. You will be paid for time spent on the bus due to lightening.
Do you have to work every day?
No, but missing your scheduled days may disqualify you from receiving any pay raises.
Pay
The pay scale ranges from $12.00 to $15.00 per hour.
Pay increases for the year will depend on:
· The number of years worked for The Bauer’s Detasseling
· Being a crew leader/follower
· If you work every day that you are asked to work
· Individual job performance and overall attitude
If we feel you are not doing a good job, are behaving inappropriately or signing out early to often you will be asked not to return for the rest of the season. If you are dismissed your hourly pay will be minimum wage.
Paychecks
Due to the short work season, all detasselers will receive one check at the end of the season. This check will reflect all hours worked and how much an hour you made.
Medications
Remember, if you are allergic to bee stings or have allergies be sure to bring your proper medication. Also if you take medication daily don’t forget to take it before you come to work. If you do have any medical conditions please make sure you let us know your first day.
What to bring
You will want to bring a lunch cooler with plenty of food and drinks. We will supply all the water at the fields. You do work up quite an appetite, so please bring enough for morning break, lunch and a snack for the ride home.
What to wear
Old clothes that are light in color and weight work best. We suggest a long sleeve shirt with a t-shirt underneath and some type of light fabric pants (workout pants with maybe shorts underneath for the bus ride home). Blue jeans get hot and heavy. You will be doing a lot of walking, old comfortable gym shoes work best not boot, they get too heavy. Don’t forget to wear socks, preferably crew socks that will stay up throughout the day. Protect yourself from the sun, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are three must have items. A bandana to wear on your neck to protect yourself from the corn leaves. Gloves that fit snug and are light weight (garden gloves). Rain gear will protect you from the summer rain showers but will also help keep you dry during the morning when dew is present on the corn stalks. A poncho, rain suit or even a large garbage bag will do the job. NO SANDALS or SWIMSUITS!
Cell Phones and IPOD’s
Phones and IPOD’s are your responsibility! A plastic ziplock baggie will help protect your phones from the moisture. If they get lost or stolen we are not liable. If you do bring these items we recommend not carrying them in the field. Losing it in the field is as good as gone forever. We will not take any time looking for lost devices in the field. You can listen to music while working but only in one ear at a very low volume. You must be able to hear the others in your group. Being on your phone texting is not allowed while in the field. If you can’t follow these rules then you will be let go.
Rules & Policies
Smoking is not allowed if under age, in the fields on the bus or when you are working. If you are of age to smoke (18) you can only smoke during your break away from the buses. Grounds for dismissal include illegal activity, drinking alcohol, stealing, damaging the buses or the corn, disrespectful behavior, abusive language, any harassment or other reasons deemed inappropriate by The Bauer’s Detasseling, LLC. The fields we work in are owned and operated by local farmers and seed companies. Proper respect must be rendered for the crops and any equipment parked near the field. Please help us keep the fields we enter clean from trash. Garbage bags will be provided and placed on all buses.
Problems
If the detasseler or parent has a concern about any individual working or associated with The Bauer’s Detasseling, LLC., any of the rules or policies, or operations of The Bauer’s Detasseling, LLC. please feel free to contact us. We will do our best to ensure that your questions are heard and responded to. Please call Joe Bauer 815-404-6828 or Christine Bauer 815-501-8757.
Before you can start work you must have all 3 tax forms filled out, signed and turned in. If you need to mail them please send them to The Bauer’s Detasseling, LLC. 732 W. Oregon Trail Rd Oregon, IL 61061.
Thank you for choosing The Bauer’s Detasseling, LLC. We look forward to a successful season. Where you can be successful in any field!
Like us on facebook @ The Bauer’s Detasseling, LLC for up to date information.
Website
You can email us at thebauersdetasseling@gmail.com with any questions or concerns.
The Bauer’s Detasseling “Where you can be successful in any field”