We live like this because this is how we live. We don't use mechanized equipment by choice. We farm it so we don't have to work as well. We do work but not like others. Seasonally mostly or odd jobs and only if we have to. We do the rest because it's just normal life for us.

We have 250 acres total. A large portion is woodlot. Animals are all small because about 6-7 years ago I had cancer that paralyzed me for a while. Kinda messed me up. I just grow food now. Anyone seeing our income would consider us extremely poor. We aren't really, we just spend our money differently than most. Our house and land are paid for as is our vehicle. We aren't preppers this is just how we live.

I still disagree that 5 acres is possible without machinery in this day and age. We spend a literal month broadforking alone to get mixed veg in our garden and greenhouse for a family of five with a very small amount for sale. Adding grains and large animals would not be physically possible without mechanical equipment of some kind even if I was a whole person.