The continental climate is really pretty difficult IME!
I mean, guessing, are you in the native range of locust swarms?
Trying to get back to growing food — should also say all these relatives have amazing gardens, various.
In the short term, would you be up to row covers? Very fine nylon mesh? You have to be clever for crops that also need insect pollination, and it’s a hassle, but with care it can be reused for years and years. “Frost fleece” keeps bugs out too but I bet you’d have overheating problems too often.
PS - pocket gophers! An interest of mine and also a terrible pest in the beans.