DH keeps saying we need to have kids to help with the chores, but it takes a long time to reap those benefits.

Yep, pigs do better in pairs. Social creatures. We're getting pigs next year for sure. Maybe sheep (mmmm lamb chops). Hopefully cattle. We don't have nearly 35 acres...congrats on that! So we have to use our property very efficiently.
I did fine loading the 100 bales of hay and 10 bales of straw today. I wore my gloves this time. We aren't unloading/stacking hay until tomorrow. My thumb just keeps getting bigger and bigger though. I think I might have finally felt some improvement this evening though.