  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.
