An anchoring apparatus for an irrigation system is disclosed. The anchoring apparatus includes a support base for securing to an axle of a support tower of the irrigation system. A threaded sleeve is secured to the support base and holds a shaft. The shaft has a threaded portion and an anchor portion. A motor secured to the support base is configured to rotate the shaft in a first direction about a longitudinal axis of the shaft to move the shaft along the longitudinal axis towards an anchoring position to secure and protect the system against wind and severe weather. The motor is also configured to rotate the shaft in a second direction about the longitudinal axis of the shaft to move the shaft along the longitudinal axis towards a disengaging position to lift the anchor portion of the shaft off of the ground.
