Custom Nutrient for Louisiana Farmers

If you’ve ever applied fertilizer based on guesswork—or simply grabbed a bag of 13-13-13 and hoped for the best—you’re not alone. But Louisiana soils are diverse, and each field is different. That’s why more and more growers are turning to custom nutrient recommendations to increase yield, reduce waste, and protect long-term soil health.

At Highland Growers LLC in DeRidder, LA, we help local farmers, ranchers, and landowners create tailored nutrient plans based on their actual soil test results, crop goals, and land conditions. If you’re serious about improving performance and profitability, custom recommendations are one of the smartest decisions you can make.

Here’s what you need to know—and how to get started.

A custom nutrient recommendation is a personalized fertilizer plan based on the specific needs of your soil and crops. Unlike a standard bag of fertilizer, it tells you:

Which nutrients you need (N, P, K, micronutrients)
How much of each to apply per acre
When and how to apply them
Whether you need lime or pH adjustment
What product types are best for your goals

It’s not one-size-fits-all.

Instead of using a general blend like 10-20-10 across your entire farm, a custom recommendation may suggest:

40 lbs of nitrogen
60 lbs of phosphorus
30 lbs of potassium
Plus sulfur and zinc in specific ratios

Then we blend that exact formula to apply in bulk or bagged form.

Louisiana soils vary in texture, drainage, pH, and nutrient-holding capacity. Even two fields on the same property may require completely different fertility approaches.

Here’s what happens when you use generic fertilizer:

Over-application: You waste money on nutrients your soil already has
Under-application: Your crops miss out on nutrients they need to thrive
Nutrient imbalance: Excess phosphorus can lock up zinc and iron
Soil acidification: Repeated use of high-nitrogen fertilizers can lower pH
Environmental runoff: Excess nutrients may leach into waterways

With custom recommendations, you only apply what you need—saving money and improving results.

We begin every nutrient plan with a professional soil test, which provides a detailed breakdown of:

pH level (acidic, neutral, or alkaline)
Macronutrients (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium)
Micronutrients (Zinc, Boron, Sulfur, Iron, etc.)
Organic matter
Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC)

[Schedule a Soil Test – https://www.highlandgrowers.com/soil-testing]

How to Collect a Soil Sample:

Use a clean probe or shovel
Sample 6 inches deep
Collect 10–15 cores per field and mix thoroughly
Bring 1 pint of soil in a clean container

If you need help, we’ll guide you or collect samples for you.

A custom recommendation isn’t just about what’s in your soil—it’s about what you want to grow and how well you want it to perform.

We’ll ask:

What are you planting? (Hay, pasture, corn, soybeans, clover, food plot, etc.)
What’s your target yield per acre?
Is this a one-time planting or long-term management?
What’s your budget for inputs?

This context allows us to adjust the nutrient mix to:

Maximize yield where profit margins matter
Stretch fertility over time for permanent pastures
Focus on early establishment for food plots
Use more affordable alternatives if needed

Once your test results and crop goals are in, we create a specific blend tailored to your needs.

Your blend may include:

Nitrogen (Urea, Ammonium Nitrate, Ammonium Sulfate)
Phosphorus (MAP, DAP, Triple Superphosphate)
Potassium (Muriate of Potash, Sulfate of Potash)
Micronutrients (Zinc Sulfate, Boron, Copper, Manganese)
Soil conditioners or lime
Sulfur (especially for forage or brassica crops)

We blend it in-house at Highland Growers, so you can pick it up in bulk or bags—ready to apply.

[Custom Fertilizer Blending – https://www.highlandgrowers.com/custom-blend-fertilizer]

Any grower looking to increase efficiency and performance can benefit, but especially:

1. Hay and Forage Growers

Hay fields have high nutrient removal, especially potassium. Tailored blends can improve regrowth and feed value.

2. Row Crop Farmers

For crops like corn, soybeans, or cotton, matching nutrients to yield goals prevents costly over- or under-application.

3. Food Plot Managers

Wildlife plots often fail due to poor pH or missing nutrients. A custom plan supports establishment and grazing quality.

4. First-Time Landowners

New fields may need corrective applications to get started right.

5. Farmers Transitioning to Organic or Reduced Inputs

We can help you build a multi-year fertility plan that reduces dependence on synthetic inputs without sacrificing performance.

How much does a custom nutrient recommendation cost?

The soil test is inexpensive, and the recommendation is included. The fertilizer price depends on your blend, but we work with all budgets.

Can I use my own equipment to apply the custom blend?

Yes. We’ll provide the blend in the format that fits your spreader—bulk or bagged. We also offer spreader rentals and application tools.

Do you offer delivery?

Yes, we deliver fertilizer and seed in and around DeRidder and rural areas throughout Beauregard Parish. Call for availability and scheduling.

How often should I get a soil test?

Annually is best for row crops or food plots. For pastures and hayfields, every 2–3 years may be sufficient.

Whether you’re planting your first pasture or trying to push yields on 100 acres of hay, Highland Growers is here to help. Our local team will:

Test your soil
Build a custom nutrient plan
Blend fertilizer to your exact needs
Deliver or load out for pickup
Help you track results season over season

Visit https://www.highlandgrowers.com or stop by our DeRidder location to get started. We serve farmers, ranchers, and wildlife plot managers across Louisiana with expert advice and custom solutions that grow with you.

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