has asked, "Do you think sustainable farming is a reality in the 21st century?" Amy, who I think has changed her blog name to Our Piece of Country Paradise is living the country dream. She is new to blogdom so go on by and visit.
Amy, thanks for the hard question! Will Rogers, in all his wisdom, said, "Behind every successful farmer, there is a wife who works in town."
Diversify, diversity is the key to success. Many farms make a living by adding tours, crafts, farm products and other things. Animals are sometimes a money maker but anything that eats does cost.
I do think there is a place in the 21st century and a need. Small family farms are rare. You need to work on being able to take care of your needs without outside sources and then expand to include the money maker plans. What that is, will be up to you.
Farmers in the past have sold their products, eggs, milk, butter, animals and have made enough to buy the things they needed. Bartering was common, in labor and in products.
Good luck and thanks for the really, really difficult question.
