Changing Conditions, Changing Openers

Fortunately, Bourgault offers a broad range of opener options. This is because, just like no two farms are the same, no two openers are the same. Each of Bourgault’s openers have been specifically designed to address variations in soil, topography and environmental conditions. Bourgault Hoe openers are collectively referred to as ParaLink Hoe Drill™ (PHD™) openers. Bourgault Coulter openers are referred to as ParaLink Coulter Drill™ (PCD™) openers.

In general, PHD openers are the most popular in colder, more northerly markets. Conversely, PCD openers are the most popular in warmer, more southerly markets. PHD openers provide for some soil disturbance and blackening of the seed row, which can be a benefit in cool damp spring seeding conditions. PCD openers have less soil disturbance, which can be a benefit when seeding into warmer conditions (both spring & fall) where moisture conservation is important. Residue from the previous crop is also an important consideration in opener style.

To meet the challenges of variable seeding conditions, many farmers have been re-evaluating their seeding systems to help make sure they can cover their acres as quickly and efficiently as possible while ensuring optimum emergence. For some, this has meant having both PHD and PCD drills available. It does require a higher investment in equipment, but it does provide the greatest flexibility in choosing a system that will work best for the specific conditions they are encountering.

"The unique geometry of the PLW opener allows it to literally 'walk' over variations along the soil surface, resulting in an extremely stable seeding depth.”

Another trend Bourgault is encountering is an uptick in the sales of 3725 Quick Depth Adjust drills, equipped with the ParaLink Walking™ (PLW™) coulter opener. Now, this uptick may be occurring for a number of reasons, including the fact that the 3725QDA is the world’s first quick depth adjust coulter drill. When it comes to ensuring quick and uniform emergence, the ability to quickly change depth for changing moisture conditions is a huge benefit. The unique geometry of the PLW opener allows it to literally “walk” over variations along the soil surface, resulting in an extremely stable seeding depth. The parallel arm design also allows for changes in frame angle to control seeding depth. This makes it very quick and efficient to match seeding depth to moisture depth. 

“I would never go back to a hoe drill, mainly because the ground just stays more level and smooth. With the disc drill, it just goes through everything and I love that. The depth is just so uniform and is perfect on every row. It is perfect on the hills and perfect in the valleys.” — Ross Oakland, near Glendive, MT

In 2024 Ross Oakland, who farms with his son near Glendive, MT traded his hoe drills for Bourgault PCD drills equipped with the PLW opener. For the Oaklands, moving to coulter drills has been a paradigm shift. Says Ross “I would never go back to a hoe drill, mainly because the ground just stays more level and smooth. With the disc drill, it just goes through everything and I love that. The depth is just so uniform and is perfect on every row. It is perfect on the hills and perfect in the valleys.”

Other operators running coulter drills also report that they are able to get onto their fields just a little bit earlier, or faster after a rain event. However, transitioning from a hoe opener to a coulter opener does require different residue management techniques. Ross mentioned “There is a learning curve on the hair-pinning and that’s why I bought a harrow.” Coulter drills typically will work best when residue is left standing as tall as possible, and residue on the soil surface is broken down as much as possible.

At the end of the day, opener preference is determined by many factors. Keeping up to different agronomic trends and practices has long been a core building block in the thought and consideration Bourgault puts into every opener design. The Bourgault website was developed to help you navigate through the different opener and option considerations you need to put into your next seeding system purchase. Simply put, Bourgault offers more choices than any other seeding manufacturer out there. We encourage you to take the time to learn more about our product offerings and see what Bourgault can do for you!