Dale Preston and his family have run their dairy farm for nearly five generations.

Located in Centerville, the Preston’s face a major challenge that's frustrated rural communities for years---unreliable internet service.

“We work diligently for both of us here to get it,” said Preston. “You can find spots where there is absolutely none (service), and then there's some spots that you can find some."

The lack of access to high-speed internet tests their patience on a regular basis.

“It's critical for rural America to stay connected,” said Laura Preston. “It's where the consumers are going, it's where the world is going and you see the businesses trying to find people. If you don't have the internet, it's very hard."

A lot of farm equipment uses GPS, which relies on a decent internet connection.

Laura says the need for better broadband has been building for years.

“You may be in the field and really you want that data going back and forth,” said Laura. “You're going to hit spots where that data can't go back and forth because we just don't have that capability."

The Preston's concerns could soon be addressed.

The Crawford County Commissioners are using $3 million in American Rescue Plan funding to improve broadband throughout the county.

"If we get even 20 to 40 percent better, we're moving along the spectrum,” said Laura. “I recognize it's a challenging problem to solve, but I think it's wonderful they are going after it.”

The millions in spending is aimed at closing the digital divide, helping the Crawford County community as a whole.

This story is supported by the Economic Hardship Reporting Project.