A method for detecting zonal operator presence includes receiving a sensor output from a sensor. The sensor may be located on an agricultural machine and the sensor output indicates an operating state of the agricultural machine. Once the sensor output has been received, the operating state of the agricultural machine is determined based on the sensor output. The operating state includes an operator being located within a work area of the agricultural machine. The work area is divided into a plurality of zones. An operating parameter is adjusted based on the operating state.
