A planter is described which utilizes individual seed meter motor drives at each row unit. motor controllers control each seed meter drive motor. Each individual row seed meter can be individually started, stopped and operated at a unique rate. Prior to planting, the meters can be operated to fill the meters and ensure that the meters are primed and ready to start dropping seed as soon as the planter begins operation to plant seed. When a seed delivery system is used with each meter to move seed from the meter to the soil, the delivery system is also primed with seed before operation of the planter.