John and Toos Cousins and Edmund, Guido and Julius Cousins of Hiamoe Farm

2025 Horizons Finalists: John and Toos Cousins and Edmund, Guido and Julius Cousins of Hiamoe Farm – Sheep, Beef and Cropping

This family farm exemplifies the spirit of responsible farming, demonstrating that a thriving agricultural business can be built on a foundation of environmental stewardship and innovation.  

Hiamoe Farm has gradually expanded since the original 149ha sheep and cattle farm was purchased by Frank and Edith Cousins in 1919. Today it spans 916ha (840ha effective), with most of the day-to-day management carried out by John and Toos Cousins, along with their three sons Edmund, Guido and Julius. 

To help navigate market fluctuations, the family has diversified, with the business spanning sheep breeding and finishing, bull finishing and dairy grazing. In addition, they grow maize silage for a neighbouring dairy farm, crops for stock feed and produce peas. The property has a forestry block growing Radiata and Lucitanica, and their income is further supplemented with off-farm agricultural work and a farmstay. 

The family has a strong focus on caring for the land, combined with excellent stock management and performance. This includes meticulous record keeping and data-driven decisions, with a focus on animal health and welfare. One of the family mottos is: every drench administered is one step closer to drench resistance.   

Exceptional infrastructure at Hiamoe underpins its productivity. This includes reticulated water to all 225 paddocks and a sophisticated lane system. Soil conservation is a key focus, with the team employing direct drilling and minimal tillage practices.  

Sustainability is deeply ingrained in the farm’s operations, with the family proactively fencing off and planting marginal and riparian areas. Three pockets of native bush are protected by QEII covenants and an additional 80ha of pines, poplars and scrub are registered to the Emissions Trade Scheme.  

By caring for the land and focusing on good farming practices, this family is sure to achieve their goal of ensuring the long-term viability of Hiamoe for future generations.