Meet the Team: Katie Schlake

Tell us the basics

Hi, my name is Katie Schlake! I work with the Training team here at Ag Leader. I’ve been here about 5 years now, though about 2 or so of those years I was in Technical Support. Farmersburg, Iowa is my hometown but I now call Boone, Iowa home. 

Tell us about your work

As a Senior Training Specialist, I am responsible for facilitating instructor-led training, including SMS software training and dealer training, creating and updating content and online courses, working with other departments to reach company goals, and developing strategies for Ag Leader training initiatives.

What is your favorite part of your job?

My favorite part of my job is helping growers discover the story behind their data to help improve their operations. What impact did a management decision have on your yield? What can we do next season to increase production and reduce inputs? Information collected in the field can tell a story that can have great benefits to an operation and I like helping growers discover that story.

What is your favorite part about working at Ag Leader?

My favorite part of working at Ag Leader is the people. From my co-workers to dealers to growers, I love learning from their experiences and having conversations. It’s easy to talk to them and have fun!

Tell us about yourself

Outside of work I like gardening, working on our 100 year old house, and spending time with family and friends. Rhubarb bars are my favorite food. Lately, I’ve done a lot of traveling for training this last year. Some of my favorite spots were Memphis, Tennessee, California, and New England. The last book I read was Preparing for the 2019 International Certified Crop Adviser Exam. Just a little light reading, haha!