Charlie Schafer

Co-Lead, Conservation Drainage Working Group 

Charlie Schafer began his career in the agricultural drainage industry in 1976, when he and two brothers founded Agri Drain Corp. and began installing drainage tubing for Iowa farmers.  Soon after, they started manufacturing products for their own projects and to sell to other contractors. In 1984, construction activities were discontinued to focus full-time on product development, manufacturing, and distribution.

 Schafer continues as President and owner of Agri Drain Corp., President of the Agricultural Drainage Management Coalition (ADMC), and founder of Ecosystem Services Exchange (ESE). He has held various offices as a Contractor and Associate Member of the Land Improvement Contractors of America (LICA), as well as serving on the Executive Board of the Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC) and National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD).  Charlie currently serves on various nonprofit, governmental, and academic advisory committees and working groups in support of the conservation and water management industry.