A seeding apparatus comprises an implement frame mounted on wheels and a trailing arm pivotally attached at a front portion thereof to the implement frame about a horizontal arm pivot axis and extending rearward and downward to a packer wheel rotatably attached. An arm bias element attached to the implement frame and to the trailing arm operates to exert a downward and forward arm bias force on the on the trailing arm. A shank is pivotally attached at an upper portion thereof to a middle portion of the trailing arm about a horizontal shank pivot axis, and a furrow opener is attached to a lower end of the shank. A shank bias element is connected between the trailing arm and the shank and operates to exert a forward and downward shank bias force on the shank to maintain the shank in a shank operating position.

An agricultural row unit includes a linkage assembly that is pivotably coupled to an attachment frame. A hydraulic cylinder is coupled to the linkage assembly and applies pressure to the linkage assembly. A controller is mounted in the row unit such that is coupled to the hydraulic cylinder for controlling the pressure applied by the hydraulic cylinder.