A Fond Farewell: Glenernan Charolais Heads to Stirling for Final Dispersal

A Fond Farewell: Glenernan Charolais Heads to Stirling for Final Dispersal

This October’s Stirling Bull Sales mark a special moment for Billy and Moira Milne, as their renowned Glenernan Charolais herd goes under the hammer in a full dispersal.
After decades of dedication to breeding cattle with power, presence and performance, Billy reflects on his life in the Charolais world and the role that good stockmanship and sound nutrition have played.

A long-standing Norvite customer, Billy has relied on products such as Alpha Prime Balancer, ShowMaster, and BullMaster to bring out the best in his stock. His focus on growth, muscle and balance has helped his cattle stand out consistently in the ring.
We caught up with Billy ahead of the Stirling Sales to hear about his breeding expertise, his thoughts on the Charolais breed and how consistent nutrition has supported his success.

How long have you been breeding pedigree Charolais cattle?

My wife Moira and I founded the Glenernan herd in 1996, more by chance than intention, after purchasing Asloun Iona and her heifer calf Fordes Midas, sired by Glenleary Janitor. Both produced a strong line of females and the herd grew from there.

But my passion for Charolais began much earlier. As schoolboys, my brother Stuart and I were each rewarded for helping on the family farm with a calf to sell. Mine was a Friesian × Charolais and instead of selling her, I decided to keep her as a cow. When I later put her to a Hereford bull, the resulting calf stood out in a mart full of Aberdeen Angus and went on to win the Calf Teeth Champion at the Alford Christmas Show and Sale, selling for £420 - a remarkable sum 55 years ago.
That moment sparked my lifelong love for the Charolais breed.

What have been some of your proudest achievements?

One of the highlights has to be Glenernan Urosie, sired by Marwood Robocop, who was Breed Champion at the Stirling Agricultural Show and second in her class at the Royal Highland Show this year. She was also chosen to represent the Charolais breed in the inter-breed competition, where the Charolais came third overall - a very proud moment indeed!

What can buyers expect from your herd at the dispersal sale?

This full herd dispersal features a strong selection of well-grown, carefully bred animals.
Highlights include Thrunton Platinum, purchased at Stirling in October 2022 to follow Elgin Jagger females - his dam’s impressive qualities shine through in his milky (an attribute I strive for) and naturally bred daughters.

Also selling are current stock bulls Marwood Robocop (Reserve Senior Champion, Carlisle May 2021) and Kinclune Superman, both known for producing quality progeny.

What role does nutrition play in achieving the frame and finish you’re after?

I have great confidence in Alpha Prime Balancer, as its high-protein formulation plays a key role in developing strong frame growth. I also value the consistency of the formulation of the blend - knowing it never changes gives me real assurance in the nutrition my cattle receive.

The bulls have also performed exceptionally well on BullMaster. I like to keep diets straightforward and finishing them on BullMaster provides that final touch of quality and condition that really makes the difference.

Looking Ahead

As Billy prepares to take his final bulls, breeding females and youngsters to Stirling, his reflections underline what so many pedigree breeders already know: great genetics need great nutrition.

Norvite feeds are carefully formulated to support controlled, efficient growth and balanced condition, helping top-quality stock reach their full potential without compromise. Whether preparing for the sale ring or developing the next generation of herd sires, Norvite feeds deliver performance you can trust - from the inside out.

For more information about Norvite feeds and how they can support your livestock system, speak to your Norvite Feed Specialist.

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