Full Breakdown
Howell Farm Wins Zoning Battle, Reopens with Expanded Programs
5/16/2026, 2:10:06 AM
Farm Wins Zoning Battle
April 2025 the Monmouth County Agriculture Development Board ruled Samrock Stables’ farm tours, horseback-riding lessons, camp programs, and therapeutic equine services are protected under New Jersey’s right-to-farm statutes, overturning Howell Township’s zoning claim.
Legal Background and Right-to-Farm Ruling
Howell Township alleged the farm offered “traditional academic instruction” after seeing a social-media post, a claim not verified by an on-site review. Board’s 2025 decision affirmed the farm’s activities as permissible farm operations.
Main Stakeholders
Owners Jules Callano and Angel Angelov bought Samrock Stables. Assemblyman Alex Sauickie lobbied for the farm and authored legislation shielding farmers from nuisance lawsuits. Betty Lou Velez-Gimbel, head of Howell Farmers United, advocated for the farm.
Timeline of Dispute
Program Expansion and Community Services
The farm offers therapeutic equine and cattle therapy for veterans and law-enforcement officers, a summer camp with riding, animal care, gardening, crafts, and retail items such as goat-milk soap, eggs, wool ornaments, and DIY kits.
Official Statements
Agriculture Development Board confirmed the farm’s activities comply with state right-to-farm law. Assemblyman Sauickie praised the decision and highlighted the new nuisance-lawsuit protection for farmers. The farm’s nonprofit, Angel and Jules’ Not-So-Ordinary Farm, remains operational under board guidance.
Opposition and Zoning Claims
Howell Township argued the farm’s programs constituted an illegal school, a conclusion drawn from a social-media post and not from an on-site review. Board’s ruling rejected this claim as unfounded.
Open House Reception
April 19 open house attracted families, farmers, and camp participants who toured the stables, met animals such as the rescued chicken Marshmellow, and sampled goat-milk soap and eggs. Attendees expressed enthusiasm for the farm’s community focus.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Discrepancy lies between township’s assertion—based on a single social-media post—that the farm offered schooling and board’s determination that such activities are permissible farm operations. No data on program enrollment or financial impact was disclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- "I'm very happy." — Julia Callano, Owner, Samrock Stables
- "So many farms are doing things, but not everyone has my degree of experience." — Julia Callano, Owner, Samrock Stables
- "I'm trying to be more authentic and optimize what we do to bring in as many people as possible." — Julia Callano, Owner, Samrock Stables
- "Every child deserves the immersive agricultural experience Samrock provides. And here in Howell, our farms can provide it. It’s essential for our policymakers to support our farms and local businesses and protect and enhance the quality of life for every resident, especially our children." — Betty Lou Velez-Gimbel, Leader, Howell Farmers United
Upcoming Fundraising
Donations are accepted via the farm’s GiveButter page, where $10 funds a hay bale and gifts cover feed, medication, and hoof care. A K-9 fundraiser for Brick Township Police Department is scheduled for May 14.
