Charlie Schafer Inducted Into the International Drainage Hall of Fame

The International Drainage Hall of Fame Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the development and use of drainage in agricultural production. The award was established in 1979 at The Ohio State University in honor of the late Professor Virgil Overholt, who dedicated 42 years to education and research on agricultural drainage in Ohio. The award is administered by the International Program for Water Management in Agriculture at The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.

Since 1979, 27 outstanding individuals have been inducted into the Drainage Hall of Fame for their noteworthy contributions to the advancement of agricultural drainage in the areas of teaching, Extension education, research, technology development, consulting, contractor training, implementation and practice, and/or leadership.

“Charlie Schafer graduated from Ellsworth Community College with a concentration in farm operations/management. His work has been important to the success of subsurface drainage innovations, leading to multiple patents for water control structures and contributing to USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Conservation Practice Standards for Drainage Water Management, Denitrifying Bioreactors, and Saturated Buffers. His work and service on numerous government and nonprofit advisory groups and committees has helped to advance the science of drainage and increase the prominence of conservation drainage practices. Mr. Schafer is widely regarded as a visionary and a leader in his field. His involvement in the drainage industry and in public service has encompassed research and practice, and he has helped translate scientific knowledge to practitioners to encourage adoption of innovative practices.”

Click here to see a list of all Honorees and to learn more about the International Drainage Hall of Fame.