I suppose it’s not so much a race to the bottom of who has the hardest life, but a comparison of the reality of farming compared to the idealistic opinion of those outside the farming community.
I think it’s also important to remember that farms are usually small businesses and subject to many external factors such as the weather, commodity prices, Tb/avian flu breakdowns etc. Farmers can get up at 4am every day, work all hours only to lose money hand over fist, but can’t just walk away or change jobs because of the money they’ve already invested, tenancy contracts and such like, to leave would mean bankruptcy and homelessness for many. They can see their crops wiped out in one storm or lose a whole herd to disease, I’ve heard it said that a farmer is the ultimate gambler, choosing crops to sow based on what world markets will be doing in 8 months time. Cutting your losses early rather than putting more work into a failing crop or a bull who turns out to be infertile.
Also, as with small/family businesses, there will be those who own lots of land/money/assets, plus the rich celebrity hobbyists, who will have a completely different experience, horses, Land Rovers and private schools. And everything in between.
So no, I don’t think given a choice most farmers would prefer the mouldy council flat, but it can be a stressful and insecure life for people who often have enough qualifications to get jobs in better paying sectors off the land, but are drawn back to it and are then often trapped doing it.
You can completely see why the Owens would diversity into media, especially with all those children to raise.