Lamb throughput during March lifted 49pc year-on-year at saleyards covered by Meat and Livestock Australia's National Livestock Reporting Service.
MLA reports that a drier and hotter season combined with higher physical market prices, due to increased competition between buyers, to encourage more lambs onto the market.
Lamb slaughter during March in NSW, SA and Victoria climbed 15pc compared to March last year.
Strong saleyard and over-the-hooks rates have encouraged lamb sales as buyers compete fiercely for supply in anticipation of a shortfall in coming months.
Total sheep slaughter during March across NSW, SA and Victoria has risen 23pc year-on-year to 657,355 head.
MLA says this increase was partly due to Easter falling earlier last year (reducing kill days during the month).
Also contributing to the rise were the higher prices for that time of year.
With increasing demand from processors, restockers and live exporters, most buyers have been trying to secure any supplies they can, as they anticipate a shortfall in coming months.
