About Tilecroft Farms
Our Family Farm
Tilecroft Farms has been in the family for three generations and has always milked Ayrshires since 1942, when Lloyd and Verda McNaughton purchased the 160-acre mixed farm. Their son, Bill, along with his wife Norma, took over the farm in 1969 after Lloyd passed away.
Although Bill wasn’t sure if any of his three daughters would continue the legacy, he saw promise in Eleanor, who had a strong interest in farming. She pursued her passion by attending the University of Guelph, where she earned a Bachelor of Agricultural Science and a Master’s degree in Animal Nutrition. While there, she met Jeff, who was studying Agricultural Business. Eleanor loved the farm and Ayrshire cattle, and Jeff dreamed of managing his own business—making dairy farming a natural fit.
In 2001, Eleanor and Jeff returned to the farm and formed a partnership with her parents. With new energy and vision, the farm advanced quickly. In 2007, they added a free-stall barn and milking parlour, which improved labour efficiency and cow comfort and allowed for the expansion of the Ayrshire herd and 3X milkings. More improvements came in 2020 with the installation of an automated feed system and urban calf feeder.
Nutrition has always been a top priority at Tilecroft Farms. They provide high-quality forages and work closely with a nutritionist. Breeding strategies have evolved through the use of AI, genomics, and embryo transfer. For mating decisions, they follow guidance from AI companies and Yves Charpentier of Ayrshire Canada.
Tilecroft Farms strives to breed balanced cows that are both functional and high-producing. Currently, they milk 70 cows, with a herd average of 10,123 kg milk, 4.15% fat, and 3.43% protein, earning a BCA of 300-306-314 and ranking 2nd in Canada. The herd classification includes 5 Excellent, 33 Very Good, and 43 Good Plus cows. The herd is also ranked 8th on Canada’s LPI list. Several bulls from the herd have been selected for AI units.
Over the years, many cows have contributed to their Master Breeder title. Standouts include:
- Tilecroft Essence 204 VG, 107,813 kg
- Tilecroft Poppy 272 EX-3E, 74,611 kg
- Tilecroft Kahlua EX-3E, 94,268 kg
- Tilecroft Poker Lavander 468 VG, 77,764 kg
- Tilecroft Rockstar Liberty 561 EX-5E, 82,493 kg
- Tilecroft Pearl 245 VG-86, 70,394 kg
- Tilecroft Rene 275 VG, 88,539 kg
- Tilecroft Cinnamon 293 EX, 70,642 kg
Eleanor and Jeff have paid close attention to every detail in running the farm, and their three sons have also contributed. Jordan is a Certified Crop Advisor, married with a son, and lives in Kitchener. Oliver is teaching English in Germany, and Justin is currently studying agriculture at the University of Guelph.
They credit much of their success to the dedicated employees they’ve had over the years. Eleanor has also been deeply involved with the Ayrshire breed, starting with 4-H and later serving as a director for Ayrshire Ontario and Ayrshire Canada. She represents Ayrshire Canada on the National Genetic Evaluation Board and is a member of the National Youth Committee. To support young breeders, Tilecroft Farms created an annual award recognizing outstanding young talent.
Eleanor also serves as a director of the World Ayrshire Federation, representing Canada.
Tilecroft Farms is honoured to have been named a Master Breeder and sincerely thanks Ayrshire Canada for its continued support.
