Remote Observation of Field Work on the Farm
This work addresses the challenge of conducting observational research for farm management when geographic and bodily distance are necessary, though it is incremental as it applies existing technologies to a new context.
The researchers tackled the problem of observing and managing physical fieldwork under travel restrictions by adapting real-time remote observation technologies from vehicles to farm tractors, conducting a pilot deployment at Kreher Eggs to enable sustained observation from distant locations.
Travel restrictions and social distancing measures make it difficult to observe, monitor or manage physical fieldwork. We describe research in progress that applies technologies for real-time remote observation and conversation in on-road vehicles to observe field work on a farm. We collaborated on a pilot deployment of this project at Kreher Eggs in upstate New York. We instrumented a tractor with equipment to remotely observe and interview farm workers performing vehicle-related work. This work was initially undertaken to allow sustained observation of field work over longer periods of time from geographically distant locales; given our current situation, this work provides a case study in how to perform observational research when geographic and bodily distance have become the norm. We discuss our experiences and provide some preliminary insights for others looking to conduct remote observational research in the field.