PIKE COUNTY, INDIANA – Pike County Economic Development Corporation conducted a business retention expansion visit in Otwell with Chris Perkins, the CEO of Banded Ag. Banded Ag is an award-winning innovative, agriculture technology company that is reshaping agriculture in the Midwest! Banded Ag is serving and improving efficiencies to the agriculture industry from Canada to the Mississippi Delta and reaching out west to the Dakota’s. Operations began in the summer of 2019, today, they continue to improve efficiency for farmers with their fertilizer and unique strip-till bars. Banded Ag is an advanced 21st century ag-tech company that uses less fertilizer and chemicals, by using data and technology to fertilize the plants with precision. This produces better yields for our thriving agriculture industry.
In 2019, Chris Perkins took a giant risk by leaving his managerial role at another fertilizer company to begin a start-up later to known as Banded Ag. With the loving support of his wife, Doneva, three young children, Tommy Warner the CEO of Novus Ag, and his mentor Dr. Fred Below, he took the leap to start a new ag-tech company in Otwell, Indiana. Perkins said, “There was a lot of stress to leave my comfortable job and have friends that followed me to start the Banded Ag company. We all have families and I had the pressure that this company must provide for all our families, with the risk of failing… But I can’t live with the idea of not trying.” Perkins grew up in a farming family. His grandfather was Rip Sorgius who started RipCo in the 1962, which is still a thriving agriculture company today. Perkins’ family has always been in agriculture and always knew he would farm as well.
Banded Ag has invested over $4 million into Pike County and has grown to 12 employees. The company has had great success in attracting quality workforce. Pike County has a high quality and hardworking workforce. Perkins shared that, “The company is the quality of your team, so you better have a good team!” Banded Ag has proven to produce a great product, and the company has received countless awards with yield production. Perkins shared the award he is most proud of is the National Strip-Till Innovator of the Year Award in 2024. This award is special because he was nominated by his mentor, Dr. Fred Below and was competing against every farmer in the nation.
This local home-grown company has a bright future ahead and has been approached by some of the largest international ag manufacturers to discuss expansion opportunities. Pike County, Indiana is home to great companies that are doing big things! Pike County is fortunate to have entrepreneurs like Chris Perkins invest in our community! Learn more about investing in Pike County, Indiana and schedule a site visit with Ashley Willis at ashley@pikecountygrowth.com or 812-354-2271.
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Banded Ag, LLC: We are an agriculture retailer who offers a wide variety of ag inputs including seed, fertilizers, nutrients, and crop protection. Our focus is to support our local community of growers with quality products, excellent service, and sound agronomic advice.
The Pike County Economic Development Corporation openly and enthusiastically embraces growth in Pike County. By strongly supporting city and county efforts to maintain a community that offers a great place to call home, Pike County, Indiana is especially distinctive in its vision of promoting business growth while keeping small town charm and hospitality in the forefront of community image. Through a complimentary partnership of economic growth, prosperity, quality of place and small-town charm, the PCEDC positions itself to be proponent for progress and an advocate for Pike County’s future. Pike County is located in the heart of the I-69 corridor. www.pikecountygrowth.com
