Yes, the length of the sensor wire can be shortened or extended as long as:

Extending the sensor wire – The sensor wire can be extended up to 500 feet with #18 awg wire and 2000 feet with #12 awg wire. Click here to see more about sensor placement.

Shortening the sensor wire – The sensor wire can be shortened as long as the sensor remains outside the housing and exposed to the desired sense temperatures. Click here to see more about sensor placement.

Thermistor and sensor wire