New precision technology often requires a sizable upfront investment. Ag economists note that the payback period for many high-tech tools is quick. But what if someone would lease you the technology to hold down your initial cash outlay? Would that also be a good way to get your feet wet in the technology?

If you have irrigation pivots, or if you think you could benefit from knowing and monitoring soil moisture levels during the season, Premier Ag has an opportunity for you. The cooperative serves several counties in south-central Indiana.

Premier Ag is offering soil moisture probes on a lease basis, notes Luke Schnitker, an irrigation specialist with the co-op. He notes that Premier Ag had more than a dozen probes out on lease in 2016, and expects to lease more this year.

The probe consists of a 3-foot-long tube that’s inserted into the soil, Schnitker says. The first sensor is at 2 inches below the soil surface, and additional sensors are spaced at 4-inch intervals along the tube. Sensors measure moisture, temperature and salt content in the soil.

“The probe is hard-wired to a solar-powered telemetry device located aboveground,” Schnitker explains. “Measurements are sent to the cloud. I can sit in my office and receive the information from one or more probes.”

Normal practice is to install one probe per pivot, he says. “Place the probe in the majority soil type in the field. Hopefully that’s also the most productive soil.”

Premier Ag rents the probe complete so users can access data for $1,500 per year.

Experts say this piece of technology is a good candidate for leasing from the farmer’s perspective because there’s some risk of damage. The sending device sits several feet above the ground in the cornfield.

“We place them in the field around V4 stage and remove them just before harvest,” Schnitker says. “Spraying and avoiding damage to them usually isn’t a big issue.”

A probe typically lasts seven years, he notes. To learn more, email [email protected].