UPDATE: THE annual Ballarat female sale started with a bang today as Angus heifers sold to $1480.

The slightly improved prime and store market is resulting in improved prices for joined females.

The top pen of 18 Angus heifers, 2 1/2-year-old PTIC to Innesdale Angus bulls were sold by Langi Kal Kal to a Queensland buyer looking to diversify.

Overall prices were dearer than ore-Christmas sales.

The remainder of the PTIC heifers sold from $880 to $1360, with most selling around $1100.

Joined cows sold from as little as $490 up to $1200 for better quality lines, while grown unjointed heifers sold from $525 to $710.

The large run of weaner heifers sold from $345 for extra light up to $580.

Cows and calves were keenly sought with most selling from $1000 to $1480.

The top pen of cows and calves was those sold by J Simpson and Sons. The 20 Angus third calver cows with 21 Charolais-cross calves sold for $1480.