As a former poor rural farm kid myself, I recommend raising your family before, or have enough in reserve so they don't have to go without. Also go through a winter with heat from wood you cut yourself. That's a good indicator if the life is for you or not :)

Former poor rural farm kid here as well. I have to admit I wouldn't go back to the corn fields, corn harvesting is hard and painful (sharp leaves). But working with the animals is something I always miss, waking up early enough to see the sunrise on the fields, the smell of fresh manure...