Farm Celebrating Its Not-So-Ordinary Victory With Reopening In Howell

HOWELL, NJ — It's a moment Julia Callano and Angel Angelov have been praying would arrive for months.

On Sunday, the Howell couple will reopen Samrock Stables and their nonprofit, Angel and Jules' Not So Ordinary Farm, after more than two years of fighting with the township over their rights to operate.

"After everything this farm has been through … the long days, the sleepless nights, the fight to protect what we’ve built …Samrock Stables is officially welcoming the community back," they announced on the farm's Facebook page.

"Join us this Sunday as we reopen not just our farm — but a place built on hard work, resilience, and a whole lot of heart."

The event is from noon to 5 p.m. at the farm, 104 Peskin Road, Farmingdale.

People can meet the animals and learn about the upcoming summer programs, and they will have light refreshments. There will be farm goods for sale, including goat's milk soaps and wool products, and they will be accepting donations to help with the care of the animals.

"This is more than an event … it’s a fresh start, a new season, and a chance to stand together in support of local agriculture," the couple said. "Come walk the farm. Meet the animals. Be part of something that fought hard to still be here."

The farm had been under siege for nearly two years from Howell Township's administration, after Matthew Howard, then the deputy manager of Howell, ordered them to cease many of the farm's programs, alleging they were operating a school illegally.

Howell threatened them with fines of $2,500 per day if they continued to allow homeschooling classes to visit or offered camp programs or other activities at the farm, Callano said in an interview with Patch.

After months of fighting in Superior Court in Monmouth County, the case was heard by the Monmouth County Agriculture Development Board. Howell Township code enforcement claimed the farm was offering traditional academic instruction such as math and reading, according to hearing minutes, based solely on a social media post seen by Howard. But Howard never visited Samrock Stables to see in person how they were operating, Callano said.

Howell sued Samrock Stables in 2024, accusing the farm of violating zoning laws, but the claim of an illegal school was rejected by a judge in 2025, Callano said. Howell later appealed that ruling.

The Agriculture Development Board ultimately ruled in favor of Callano and Angelov, saying Samrock Stables did qualify as a commercial farm and as such is protected under the Right to Farm Act.

In February, the board ruled that the activities offered at Samrock Stables — "farm-based educational activities on the farm, including classes on livestock raising and horseback riding" — were acceptable and could be offered.

Read more: Farm Fights For Survival After Winning Battle With Howell To Operate

The financial stress of the fight has been immense, Callano said, and the farm has a fundraising site through GiveButter, which allows people to give in a variety of ways, from buying bales of hay — a $10 donation buys 1 hay bale — or bags of feed for the horses and cows and chickens to sponsoring medications and hoof trimming and maintenance to the farm. There's options for one-time donations or monthly donations to sponsor animals, and they welcome any amount.

See the list of possibilities their GiveButter page.

They will be welcoming donations on Sunday in person as well.

In addition they are advertising for their programs that have meant so much to the couple.

There are summer camp programs, and farm tours led by Angelov all listed on the farm's website.