Downforce load sensor for a planter row unit

A planter row unit, comprising:

• a row unit frame having a forward end toward a forward direction of travel of the planter row unit;
• an opening assembly supported by the row unit frame, the opening assembly having first and second opening disks configured to form a furrow in a soil surface when the row unit is drawn in the forward direction of travel, the opening assembly further having first and second gauge wheels, the first and second gauge wheels supported by respective first and second gauge wheel arms pivotally attached to the row unit frame, each of the first and second gauge wheel arms carrying a load transferred by the first and second gauge wheels;
• a first abutment member extending upwardly from the first gauge wheel arm;
• a second abutment member extending upwardly from the second gauge wheel arm;
• a depth selector movable to selectable positions along the row unit frame;
• a stop member extending transverse to the forward direction of travel and positioned such that the stop member abuts with the first and second abutment members, whereby each of the first and second abutment members transfers the load from the first and second gauge wheel arms to the stop member;
• a load sensing connector rod extending vertically through the stop member such that the load transferred to the stop member by the first and second abutment members is applied to the load sensing connector rod in a horizontal direction, whereby the load sensing connecting rod is subject primarily to bending stresses, the load sensing connector rod including a load sensor configured to generate load signals corresponding to the bending stresses.