Through the deal, Wilbu-Ellis Agribusiness can offer high-quality IWM data to its grower-customers, adding value to their operations, for improved productivity
Wilbur-Ellis to acquire irrigation water management services provider. (Credit: Pixabay/feraugustodesign.)
Wilbur-Ellis Company, a distributor of agricultural products, has acquired the assets of Probe Schedule, an irrigation management company, for an undisclosed amount.
Probe Schedule, based in the US state of Washington, is backed by more than two decades of research and development efforts.
The company’s irrigation water management (IWM) software collects data from in-field hardware devices and weather stations to calculate exact crop water usage and soil moisture, offering specialised irrigation schedules for farmers.
Probe Schedule’s software can be accessed through any smart device to precise track soil moisture status and calculate irrigation schedules by the use of real-time weather station data, forecasts, spray conditions, soil classification, crop-specific information, flow meter data and other irrigation data.
Through the company’s software, growers can access user-friendly graphs, maps and reports to help interpret soil moisture-related information and make recommendations. It also offers variable speed irrigation plans, remote valve controls and sensor alarms.
With the acquisition of Probe Schedule, Wilbur-Ellis can now offer quality IWM field data directly to farmers, adding value to their operation, helping improve productivity, while positively benefiting their business.
Wilbur-Ellis Agribusiness president Mark Ripato said: “We are committed to sustainable practices when it comes to water management, and this acquisition will help us support customers with more accurate water monitoring for optimal use of such an important resource.
“This tool helps ensure efficient use of crop management and nutrition products to improve not just the quality of the crop, but also a grower’s time management, costs and profitability.”
Probe Schedule will continue to operate as an independent brand within Wilbur-Ellis and will be available to current and future customers.
As part of the acquisition, Probe Schedule founder and CEO Jacob le Roux will join Wilbur-Ellis and take on a new role as national irrigation water advisor for the company.
He said: “Over the last two decades, Probe Schedule has evolved into the robust, integrated water management platform it is today.
“With the support of Wilbur-Ellis, new functionality, improved and enhanced technology and future updates will continue for the benefit of the ag industry.”