Abstract: A metering device for controlling the flow of granular material through a conduit. The metering device includes a electrical coil operably associated with the conduit, a ferromagnetic latching strip disposed in the magnetic field produced by the coil, and a pivoting gate including a magnet that is attracted toward and repelled from the latching strip as the direction of electrical current flowing through the coil is changed. A closed container includes the metering device secured to its bottom so that the granular material can be dispensed only through the meter. The closed container is electrically connected by wires to a dispensing controller located in the tractor cab. The granular material, such as insecticide, is simultaneously and equally dispensed at the desired rate to the seed furrows from all the individual planting units of the planter.