Abstract: Systems, methods, and an apparatus for distributing starter fertilizer during the planting process. In an embodiment, a starter fertilizer system is configured to apply fertilizer to a planted seed during a planting process. The starter fertilizer system includes a rudder blade, a fertilizer reservoir and a conduit. The rudder blade is configured to the dig a furrow that is offset from the planted seed. The conduit is coupled with the fertilizer reservoir and the rudder blade such that fertilizer is able to traverse from the reservoir to the rudder blade. The rudder blade is offset from each row unit such that fertilizer is expelled at a desired fertilizer location.