6E Farmstead - “Wild Faith Farmsteading“

January 12, 2022

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“In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.”

-Theodore Roosevelt

Whether we like it or not, we have all encountered moments and opportunities that we have let slip by, which could have otherwise changed our own lives for the better. This probably happens a lot more than we would like to notice.

We have been conditioned by the ease of life, that this “information age” has given us. Never in history has the opportunity been so great and the knowledge so accessible, for individuals to strike out and make their dreams a reality. Unfortunately for most, this won’t matter because pursuing dreams, even today is still a lot of work. Luckily for us the Pendell’s of 6E Farmstead aren’t like “most” and they certainly aren’t afraid of work!

It was dead silent, except for the quiet breathing of my sleeping family. I had just finished reading my bible by the light of my laptop. The slightest hint of light started to show over the horizon, outside our window which illuminated the room just enough for me to get dressed. I quietly tiptoed downstairs and out the side door, into the brisk morning air. The smell of the country flooded my senses in the most exhilarating way, cold air and fresh grass in the pasture. I breathed deep satisfying breaths as I walked straight out into the pasture and stood in awe of God’s creation. The green grass and snowy mountains in the distance, “So this is 6E” I said to myself, smiling.

Ever since Edwin and Emily had moved to Stonyford, I had wanted to see their farm. But it took me leaving the railroad to find the freedom do just that. I come from a long line of farming in Minnesota and so hearing, early on about the Pendell’s dream to have their own family farm tugged at my heart. Anyone that knows farming knows the character it takes and the hard work that is nonstop with farming. The reward for which is often only truly known by the farmer and seldom noticed by anyone else.

Today, homesteads and hobby farms are popping up left and right. In my opinion it’s because of the recognition of the character that these lifestyles endow and the independence that they offer. Both of which are seriously lacking and becoming rarer in society and culture. Luckily for us the Pendell’s noticed this too and so they started “6E Farmstead”.

6E Farmstead, in Stonyford CA is a family owned and operated 80 acre farm. They raise kunekune pigs and nigerian dwarf goats. Both of these animals provide endless potential to both the hobby farm and larger mainstream farms. All of 6E Farmstead animals are registered stock, with either the IKHR for pigs, or the ADGA for their goats. This is important because these breed exhibit specific behaviors and traits that are only prevalent in purebred animals. 6E Farmstead also educates their clients and anyone else who wants to sign up for one of their clinics, on the proper care and the many benefits that these animals provide. All of their animals are lovingly cared for by, not only Edwin and Emily but their kids Ellie, Ember, Ethan and Esther as well. Which means all of their animals have been around kids, which makes them inherently more kid friendly!

Kunekune Pigs

If you’ve ever experienced pigs on a farm, chances are that you’ve experienced their aggressive and destructive nature. Most domestic breeds, as well as wild pigs are known for their unstable temperament and their ability to destroy pasture and irrigation systems. Well Guess what? Kunekune’s are much more civilized than that! Kunekune’s have wonderfully docile personalities and they are pasture friendly, which means that they graze and are much less destructive than your average “piggly wiggly”! They are smaller in stature than many other pig breeds and they are cute!

They are perfect for people who want a pet pig, or for a petting zoo, because of their docile nature and cute factor. They are perfect for a small homestead because they are easy to maintain and friendly towards other animals. They don’t provide as much meat as other breeds, portion wise because of their small size and extra fat content. As a result of the higher fat content though, kunekune’s produce some of the highest quality and most beautifully marbled pork on the market. The extra fat they produce is perfect, for making high quality soap or lard for cooking. If you are thinking about getting pigs for your farm or homestead then I strongly recommend kunekune pigs from 6E Farmstead!

Why kunekune?

Docile in Nature
Non-Destructive
Pet Friendly
Cute
Small Stature
Quality Meat
Quality Fat

Nigerian Dwarf Goats

These goats are a hoot and a holler and everything in between! They have such wonderful personalities and are the perfect addition to any farm, or family who want pet goats. Nigerian dwarf goats are recognized as a dairy goat in the U.S. and provide the highest content quality of buttermilk fat of any dairy goat. Their milk is sweet in flavor and perfect as is, or to be made into cheese or high-quality soaps and lotions. These goats, like the kunekunes are also grazers and specifically love plants that we don’t like to keep around aka – poison oak!

They are very social animals and require at least one other goat for companionship. If you were considering getting a goat then you should consider getting two because most breeders, including 6E will not sell single goats without assurance that they will have another companion goat at their new home. Get yourself a nigerian dwarf goat and get it from 6E Farmstead!

Why Nigerian Dwarf Goats?

Good Natured
Small
High Quality, Sweet Milk
Eats Poison Oak
Cute
Pet Friendly
Good with other Animals

6E Farmstead represents everything that Wild Faith Journey LLC is about - Faith, Family and the pursuit of their dreams, by the independent and fierce work of their own hands. 6E Farmstead happened, because Edwin and Emily made it happen! By trusting God, quitting their conventional job’s, selling their home and “make or break” pursuing their dream. They embody the spirit of the original homesteaders, and it’s inspiring! They need to know how inspiring their wild faith journey is to people, like me who see their pursuit as evidence of the possibilities “Real Wild Faith”- in action gives us, and it’s beautiful!