Since 2005 in the rows
The story of Green Mile
The name
The "Green Mile" was the nickname of the first field I ever detasseled in my rookie season — the only field our crew worked that was so long. For me, the name calls up images of long rows of towering corn: the purgatory of being out in the field at the end of a long day, legs tired, finding ways to stay motivated. That's the job, and the name doesn't pretend otherwise.
The lineage
Hi, I'm Robert — founder and crew boss of Green Mile Detasseling. My journey in detasseling began in 2005, when I joined Eric's Heartland Detasseling crew at the age of 21. As a "roller," I learned the value of hard work: jumping into the field at the start of the day and grabbing blocks until the field was completed. That competitive drive to do as much as possible gave me a deep understanding of what it takes to be a successful detasseler.
When Eric decided to retire in 2021, he asked me to carry on the tradition of a unique crew — one that hires adult detasselers, works the western Iowa corn, and pays a piece rate. I was honored to accept the responsibility and continue the legacy, and Green Mile has carried it since.
The crew boss
What I love most about detasseling is the chance to earn good money while staying active and outside all day. More importantly, I cherish the relationships built over years with crew members who return each season. Suffering and laughing together, we form a strong bond working toward the shared accomplishment of finishing another year.
As a crew boss, I lead from the front. I would never ask my crew to do something I wouldn't do myself — I believe in working the toughest conditions alongside my team and getting through them together. My job is to support the growth and success of every individual on the crew.
The rest of the year, I run a ten-bedroom bed and breakfast in Helena, Arkansas, and have spent years as a data specialist for a school district — which is to say: the books are straight, the pay records are accurate, and you'll always know where you stand.
The invitation
If you're looking for a rewarding summer job and want to be part of a tight-knit, hardworking team, I invite you to join Green Mile Detasseling. Together we'll embrace the challenges, celebrate the victories, and create lasting memories in the fields.