Victory for Family Battling State Efforts to Steal Their 175-year-old Family Farm by Envoking Eminent Domain
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A 175-year-old family farm in New Jersey has been saved after months of public outrage and political pressure over the state’s attempt to seize the property under the guise of “affordable housing” development.
The Gateway Pundit first reported that the State of New Jersey, through the Cranbury Township Committee, had moved to take the Henry family’s 21-acre farm using eminent domain — despite its historic and agricultural significance.
Chris Henry had pleaded with local officials not to erase generations of his family’s history. The Henrys’ great-grandfather purchased the Middlesex County land in 1850, and both of Chris’s parents served in World War II. His mother’s name is engraved on the town’s war memorial.
For years, the family has poured more than $200,000 into preserving the property, which remains an active farm leased to a rancher who raises sheep and cattle. Still, in May, the Cranbury Township Committee voted unanimously to seize the land to satisfy a state-mandated housing quota driven by far-left policies from Trenton and the courts.
BREAKING: Cranberry, NJ to seize a 175 year old family farm to build affordable housing pic.twitter.com/5JPkeomTmP
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) June 13, 2025
After months of legal battles and national attention, the fight is finally over — and the Henry family has won.
Andy Henry, co-owner and manager of the farm, celebrated the victory during an appearance on Fox & Friends Weekend alongside his brother Christopher.
“It’s been our legacy for 175 years, and all my ancestors struggled to get through all kinds of crises – the house burning down, the Great Depression,” Andy Henry said. “So to be able to keep it as we always wanted to do is just such a blessing.”
Before the conflict was resolved, U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins spoke out against the state’s actions, posting on X that the federal government would work to protect the farm from seizure.
GOOD NEWS COMING!!! 🇺🇸💪
Stay tuned. Andy, you are a warrior! https://t.co/kFspJqcnp1
— Secretary Brooke Rollins (@SecRollins) October 23, 2025
On Friday, Rollins announced the news that the Henry farm had officially been saved.
“I am so pleased to announce that the Henry farm has officially been saved. God bless America!” she wrote.
“After months of bipartisan, federal-state collaboration, the state of New Jersey has secured an agreement that would spare the 175-year-old Henry family farm from the state’s affordable housing plan. Further efforts are also underway by USDA and the New Jersey Department of Agriculture to protect this prime farmland in perpetuity.”
“A war against Andy’s farm is a war against all farms. This is why USDA is finalizing plans to end systemic lawfare and weaponization of government against American agriculture. No more.”
Rollins called the outcome a victory not just for the Henry family, but for rural America as a whole.
I am so pleased to announce that the Henry farm has officially been saved. God bless America! 🇺🇸
After months of bipartisan, federal-state collaboration, the state of New Jersey has secured an agreement that would spare the 175-year-old Henry family farm from the state’s… pic.twitter.com/xK3UGwsvMg
— Secretary Brooke Rollins (@SecRollins) October 24, 2025
“His victory is more than one farmer’s triumph — it’s a reminder that rural America still stands tall, rooted in grit, faith, and the timeless bond between people and the soil,” she said. “Defending America’s farmers should be a top priority for every American.”
She went on to thank the many individuals and advocates who supported the Henry family’s fight, adding a message to farmers nationwide:
“To every farmer out there: hold fast. Protect your land. Preserve our way of life. The heart of the countryside beats because of you. And to Andy — what an honor it has been, my friend.”
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