Chickens roaming free at Soul Food Farm.Photo: Christy McDonaldMy partner and I raise chickens for meat and eggs on 55 acres -- a small farm by today's standards. Along the way, I've had to make many tough decisions, be inventive, develop relationships with our customers, and work a lot of 14-hour days to insure our farm's progress. The work is hands-on. I spend most of the day out in the pastures collecting eggs by hand, replenishing the birds' food and water, building coops and shade houses, and managing compost piles. I'm proud of what we do -- but I can't afford …