The First Virtual Field Operator: Angie Cook
The term virtual field operator isn’t something you hear every day, especially in the ag tech space. It’s not a video game or virtual reality. It’s a full-time position Sabanto created to help our customers across the country manage their autonomous tractors from our office space based in Ames, Iowa.
Angie Cook is a pioneer in this role, and she’s doing some truly groundbreaking work. As a Virtual Field Operator (vFO), Angie is experienced in using our Mission Control software and is capable of controlling and monitoring multiple autonomous tractors for farmers from a remote location. She has regular contact with farmers, communicating with them via text messages and phone calls throughout the day, ensuring they get the most value from their autonomous tractors. Her primary responsibility is to control tractors based on how farmers want their tractors to operate for the day.
An insider’s look into Angie’s work station in Ames, IA, where she controls multiple tractors simultaneously for multiple farms.
Angie’s journey to this unique role started when she came across the job posting. It was unlike anything else she had ever encountered, but she thought it seemed very interesting and was curious to know more. Before starting her position, Angie witnessed agricultural autonomy for the first time as she watched our tractors run in our nearby test field. Angie described her initial reaction to Sabanto’s autonomy stating, “I was mindblown. I instantly knew it could save farmers so much time, money and labor.”
“I was mindblown. I instantly knew it could save farmers so much time, money and labor.”
Angie spent nearly the past 20 years helping others with a career in benefits administration. She is a natural at communicating and building trustworthy working relationships, which is a priority in her current role. Every morning, she starts her job by sending a good morning message to the farmers she works with, letting them know she is there to assist them. The farmers respond, letting her know what they need assistance with, and Angie starts their tractors on missions, monitors them to keep running, and notifies them with important time-sensitive alerts throughout the day.
At this time, Angie can operate 11 different tractors simultaneously. She has become an expert Mission Control user and takes pride in her role helping farmers. “Knowing how much money I’m saving them or helping them make more money is something I really enjoy,” stated Angie. “I don’t have to be on location to help somebody.” Angie’s incredible attention to detail makes her a valuable asset to the farmers she works with and others on the Sabanto team.
In fact, one of our customers loves having Angie’s assistance available to them, and they refer to her as “The Pilot” at their farm.
Since joining the Sabanto team in August, Angie has provided value to the Sabanto team and the farmers she works with every day. She is committed to helping them and working together to grow their businesses.
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