If you have taught your dogs to come on command, there may be a way to have a bit of both worlds. You could leave them in a fenced area when you cannot watch them and let them run free when you can. Dazzi is very good about staying in the area we are in and coming back when we say that is far enough. I often let her free especially when I am in the back yard working on the flower beds. She can roam but is close enough that I can call her back from whatever trouble she may be in.

And yes, I think a lot of farm dogs get to roam because the owners don't see them as family members but animals that can be replaced without much thought or grief.