The story of our fight to protect our farm and the community that stood beside us
For more than two years, Samrock Stables and Angel & Jules' Not-So-Ordinary Farm faced a difficult and unexpected battle to defend our right to operate as a legitimate working farm in New Jersey.
What began as a challenge to our farm quickly grew into something much larger — a fight that highlighted the importance of protecting agriculture and the farmers who dedicate their lives to caring for animals, land, and community.
Like many small family farms, our work includes raising livestock, caring for horses, agricultural education, and sharing farm life with the community. But despite operating as a working farm, we found ourselves forced to defend our livelihood and the very place we call home.
For two years we navigated hearings, legal challenges, and countless obstacles. It was exhausting, emotional, and at times overwhelming. But throughout it all, we never lost sight of what mattered most — the animals in our care, the land we steward, and the belief that small farms deserve the same protection and respect as any other agricultural operation.
Our fight was not just for ourselves. It became a broader conversation about Right-to-Farm protections, agricultural rights, and the future of family farms in New Jersey.
In March 2026, that fight reached its conclusion when Samrock Stables received a unanimous decision affirming our right to operate as a farm. The ruling was a powerful validation not only for us, but for the many farmers across the state who rely on these protections.
We are deeply grateful to the agricultural community, public officials, friends, neighbors, and supporters who stood beside us during this journey. Their encouragement reminded us that we were never fighting alone.
Today we move forward with renewed purpose — continuing to care for our animals, expand our programs, and share the values of agriculture with the next generation.
Our farm has always been about more than land and animals. It is about stewardship, resilience, and the belief that when people stand together for what is right, good things can grow.
Over the past two years, Samrock Stables and Angel & Jules' Not-So-Ordinary Farm have been involved in a highly publicized fight to protect the rights of a working farm in New Jersey. What began as a difficult and exhausting legal battle ultimately became a powerful example of why protecting agriculture and small family farms matters.
Throughout this process, our story was covered by agricultural publications, shared by public officials, and supported by members of the farming community across the state. The experience reinforced something we have always believed — that farms are more than land and animals. They are part of the fabric of our communities.
In March 2026, Samrock Stables received a unanimous victory, affirming our status as a legitimate agricultural operation and allowing us to continue doing what we have always done: care for animals, educate the public about agriculture, and serve our community.
We are grateful to the many individuals, organizations, and leaders who stood beside us during this time.
Coverage of the final ruling affirming Samrock Stables' right to operate as a farm.
Read Full ArticleAsbury Park Press · April 21, 2026
The Asbury Park Press covers Samrock Stables' triumphant reopening following a two-year legal battle with the township — a story of resilience, community support, and the fight to protect New Jersey's working farms.
Read Full ArticleAsbury Park Press · April 20, 2026
A photo gallery from the Asbury Park Press capturing the joyful reopening of Samrock Stables — the animals, the people, and the community that made it all possible.
View Photo GalleryPatch.com · Howell, NJ
Patch.com covers the celebration of Samrock Stables' hard-fought victory and reopening — highlighting the community spirit and determination that brought the farm back to life.
Read Full ArticlePatch.com · Howell, NJ
Patch.com reports on Samrock Stables' continued fight for survival after winning their legal battle — a testament to the ongoing challenges faced by small family farms and their determination to keep serving the community.
Read Full ArticleFollowing the decision, Assemblyman Alex Sauickie publicly recognized the importance of protecting working farms in New Jersey and congratulated Samrock Stables on their victory.
"Sometimes when you fight — you win… Bravo Samrock Stables for fighting and winning. I and many others have your back."
The Assemblyman also emphasized the importance of preventing similar situations from happening to other farms in the future and supporting the farmers who care for the Garden State.
The following posts and updates document key moments throughout the process:
For press inquiries, interviews, or additional information, please contact:
Samrock Stables
Farmingdale, New Jersey