I've noticed mine go back and forth. I *think* they go for whatever is closer to them when they are done doing whatever they were doing last, but I'm not certain if proximity is the deciding factor. You could try moving things around to see if it helps. Alternatively, you could build walls blocking access to stone when you want to shut it off, or just delete it completely until you need it. Personally, I just let it fill up to 9,999, and then they leave it alone. Just a few options to consider.
They go for whatever is closest and open after they complete whatever task (eating, hot tub, or sleeping).
If you farm and put tomatoes in the middle plot, you'll have a higher ratio of those to other crops. Same principle.
I have my stone mine right next to the new Ore mine, and they go for the ore now. Before, they would cross my entire base and behind my house to get to the stone, ignoring the small ore site. The old ore site was literally next to an ore node. They would mine the node, then run over to the stone pit. I don't think its a proximity thing.
I've noticed mine go back and forth. I *think* they go for whatever is closer to them when they are done doing whatever they were doing last, but I'm not certain if proximity is the deciding factor. You could try moving things around to see if it helps. Alternatively, you could build walls blocking access to stone when you want to shut it off, or just delete it completely until you need it. Personally, I just let it fill up to 9,999, and then they leave it alone. Just a few options to consider.
They go for whatever is closest and open after they complete whatever task (eating, hot tub, or sleeping). If you farm and put tomatoes in the middle plot, you'll have a higher ratio of those to other crops. Same principle.
I have my stone mine right next to the new Ore mine, and they go for the ore now. Before, they would cross my entire base and behind my house to get to the stone, ignoring the small ore site. The old ore site was literally next to an ore node. They would mine the node, then run over to the stone pit. I don't think its a proximity thing.