DELAWARE, Ohio (WCMH) -- Work has begun on a county-funded, nearly $5 million expansion of broadband services in Delaware County.   This project is the next phase of an effort that began in 2023 to get more people connected.  Delaware County conducted a study in 2023 to identify its “int ernet deserts.” Most of the places identified are in the northern half of the county, which is primarily farmland.   To expand broadband, the county is using money from the American Rescue Plan Act.   Leeds Farm will be one of the many to benefit from improved connectivity. The farm has grown over the years, stretching roughly 30 acres and offering family-fun activities. One thing it’s lacking is connectivity.   “When you get a lot of people on the farm, it's really hard to even make a call or, you know, send a text,” Leeds Farm co-owner Rob Leeds said. “It's just really difficult. Even in agriculture, you know, we have planters and we have sprayers and everything has some connectivity to it. Even our grain bins, we're monitoring by, you know, some kind of connectivity on our phone to make sure everything's working.”  County leaders said agriculture is the biggest industrial sector in the county, which is why it’s vital for farmers to have reliable internet access.  The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.  ...read more read less