Patient Progress on Rocky Ground

Thursday, October 23, 2025

From Robotic Milking to Switchgrass, Toonders Turns Challenges into Opportunities

Williamsburg dairy farmer Ron Toonders has worked hard to build his Yolanda Farms into a model of innovation and adaptability in the province.

Toonders has earned a reputation for employing technology and developing practical solutions tailored to the unique challenges of his land.

From leading the way in robotic milking to adopting no-till farming as a means to reclaim difficult stone-laden fields, and experimenting with switch-grass to improve herd health and soil resilience, Toonders’ approach is rooted in finding what works for his operation.

Beginnings

Toonders’ father purchased their family acreage shortly after marrying in the early 1950s.

Those post-war years were challenging for many young farmers, and like others, his father combined farm work with construction jobs.

Starting with a small herd of cows and some chickens, the family farm centred around diversified and labour-intensive operations typical of the mid-20th century.

The advent of supply management in Canadian dairy during the 1970s brought new stability and opportunities.

Toonders’ father recognized the promise, pivoting full attention toward milk production. By 1971, their installation of a milking parlour set them apart as early adopters of mechanized dairy technology in rural Ontario.

“My dad was a visionary in his own way,” the Dundas County producer remembers.

“He had a sharp eye for what worked and a curious mind to make it even better. That wasn’t common back then, but it’s something I’ve always tried to carry on.”

Toonders himself stepped away from the farm as a young man, exploring agricultural opportunities in Western Canada.

But true to his roots, his return in 1983 marked the beginning of a new chapter. At the time, the family milked 60 Holsteins on roughly 300 acres. Over the next decade, father and son worked side by side, before Toonders took the reins fully as his father transitioned away from the daily grind.

“Even when I was away, farming was in my blood. It wasn’t just a job; it’s a way of life you carry with you.”

They now milk 120 cows in a modern barn completed in 2012, with two Lely robotic milkers – the first installed as early as 2001 – making them pioneers of automation in the province.

Their land holdings have quadrupled, now approaching 1,200 acres owned, plus another 450 rented.

Innovations

For Toonders, the drive to innovate has always been motivated by practical needs and a desire to improve life on the farm. As a child, spring meant long days of hand-picking stones from the soil.

“My dad didn’t buy more land, because he didn’t want more stone-picking. That sticking point shaped many decisions in the years that followed.”

A significant moment came during his time working in Alberta, where he encountered no-till farming through Gordon Hilton, who demonstrated how minimizing tillage could conserve soil moisture and boost organic matter.

Hilton brought the first no-till drill to Western Canada in 1980, and he operated a demonstration farm which demonstrated the benefits of conservation farming.

“It resonated with me, but it took about 12 to 15 years before I started experimenting here,” Toonders admits.

“In 1993, we took the leap, and I can honestly say it changed the farm forever.”

Choosing no-till in Ontario came with risks – local climate and soil conditions were less forgiving, and cultural farming norms favoured conventional plowing.

“By applying manure and limiting disturbance, we rebuilt fertility,” he explains. “That land is now productive and close by, so we manage it efficiently. It allowed us to expand without overextending ourselves.”

Exploring diversification further, Toonders started growing switchgrass in 2008 during a period of uncertain commodity prices and growing bioenergy interest.

In addition to switchgrass, the farm also grows corn, soybeans, and wheat.

“We planted 13 acres of switchgrass initially,” Toonders recalls.

“Switchgrass wasn’t common here, but we found it made excellent bedding – clean, free of microtoxins, and better for cows’ digestion.”

The crop’s lower potassium content made it ideal for dry-cow rations, reducing transition problems and promoting healthier lactations.

“Keeping the cow’s stomach full is crucial. Switchgrass helps with that, and we’ve noticed fewer health issues since adding it.”

Now a steady feature of their crop rotation, switchgrass also provides seed and straw, balancing production goals with sustainability.

“One of the biggest advantages of switchgrass is its durability. The crop thrives in poorer soils where conventional grains struggle and is highly resistant to pests and diseases, reducing reliance on chemicals.

“We had about three tons of straw per acre. That’s a solid yield, especially considering the lower maintenance.

“Nobody around me is really growing switchgrass yet. People often see it as high-risk or too different. But if you start small, do your homework, and respect the crop’s needs, it can pay off.

“It’s not a volume crop like corn,” he cautions. “But with careful management, it fits the system well. It has untapped potential beyond livestock – in building materials and maybe energy down the road.

“For now, we’re focused on maximizing value on the farm. But I think there’s a broader future for switchgrass in agriculture and beyond if we can keep innovating and educating.”

Challenges

Toonders says there are persistent difficulties posed by his rocky fields.

“I absolutely hated picking stones growing up,” he recalls. “The fields were so full of rocks, it would wear you down. It was backbreaking work every spring, and it limited what land we could use.”

The stone-laden soil not only made cultivation difficult but also discouraged expansion for years. Even after adopting no-till practices, the sheer volume of rocks on many acres presented ongoing challenges for crop production and equipment.

“The rocky ground was a barrier to growing more, but we had to find ways around it. It’s part of why no-till made such a difference – we could manage the soil better and rehabilitate fields previously abandoned.”

Another challenge is that deer and other wildlife frequently graze the first dozen rows on fields bordering woodlands, reducing yields despite considerable inputs.

“If I stand outside, I can spot a dozen deer in minutes. That kind of pressure means you have to consider not just what you plant, but where.”

Labour shortages and rising land prices compound the difficulty of running the operation effectively.

“Finding good help is tough, and you have to be realistic about how much land you can manage well,” Toonders says.

“Plus, with land prices where they are, taking on too much can backfire if you’re stretched too thin.”

Switchgrass, one of the farm’s innovative crops, carries its own risks.

“It’s a crop that demands patience and timing,” Toonders explains.

“Miss your window, and you lose value at harvest. But it’s worth the effort if managed carefully.”

Looking at the future

Looking ahead, Toonders has goals to “ship more straw and expand the switchgrass acres.”

And he encourages others to give it a try, “even if you don’t have the best land.

“Switchgrass is a patient person’s crop.”

He stresses the importance of mindset and measured experimentation for farmers new to the crop.

“Start with the back field, somewhere out of sight, and see how it does.

“It’s about learning and being patient. I’m here to help anyone interested – it can be hard to find experts because there’s a lack of awareness, so do your research.”

Toonders believes switchgrass will gain popularity, especially if economic times become tougher.

“It’s not always easy to diversify, but diversification is good. You want different things to rely on in hard times.

“I want people to have a good experience growing it.”

When asked about retirement plans, Toonders jokes, “I’m old enough to retire – but not smart enough.”

He also points to broader support networks, including programs like Resource Efficient Agricultural Production Canada, and access to superior genetics, which provide valuable resources for farmers exploring alternative crops and sustainable practices.

“If more people learn about these resources and take the time to experiment, I think switchgrass will become a bigger part of Ontario’s farming future.” BF