For controlling an agricultural machine system while it works a territory, which a route (R) is created for the machine system, which includes working tracks (F.sub.N) along which the machine system is driven while the territory (S) is being worked, and which includes headland tracks (F.sub.V), along which the machine system is driven when it travels from one working track (F.sub.N) to the next working track (F.sub.N) to be driven along. The machine system automatically processes a sequence of headland working steps at the end of one working track (F.sub.N) and/or while a subsequent headland track (F.sub.V) is being driven along, and/or at the beginning of a subsequent working track (F.sub.N). The sequence of headland working steps is updated and carried out dynamically depending on the current position of the machine system and depending on the next working track (F.sub.N) to be driven along. A related automatic control system for controlling an agricultural machine system is also provided.