Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) reports the price of heavy lambs increased by 22 per cent since last year, while re-stockers jumped a tidy 34 per cent.

The experts say it all comes down to strong overseas and local demand from processors, live exporters, feeders and restockers.

Combine that with a 17 per cent drop in the number of sheep slaughtered in the 2009 September quarter compared to the year before and lamb has become hot property.

MLA market reporter Krystelle Ridley said the price and quality of livestock in the Griffith market was particularly strong.

"The quality has been pretty good - the lambs are well finished and heavy, so we know the producers have been looking after them," she said.

"Prices over $100 have been easy to achieve, and because there's a bit of a shortage those prices will probably stay pretty strong."

Griffith Selling Agents president Don Barbaro said recent sales in Griffith showed the high quality and impressive prices on offer.

"They reckon the (sheep)

flock numbers are the lowest since 1924, so those prices should stay right up until the new season lambs come through in August."