Prices are being pushed through the roof as demand increases for lamb across the globe.

Earlier in the year Wellard Rural Exports offered forward contracts of $80 minimum for 55 kilogram wethers which has now put a base in the market.

Last week in Bendigo top prices were paid at $171 for lambs, $108 for crossbred ewes and $96 for Merino wethers.

Meat and Livestock Australia has said these prices are up by 20 per cent on last year and have been recorded at record levels posted for heavy lambs (529c/kg), light lambs (406c/kg), Merino lambs (414c/kg) and mutton (295c/kg) last week.

Emanuel Exports director Mike Stanton said there was big demand for sheep in the June to July period and exporters could not fill demand.

"All of a sudden every exporter is coming into the market," Mr Stanton said.

"We have four vessels to fill from June 25 to July 14 and while we are getting some sheep from the eastern states, there is huge pressure to fill the vessels."

Mr Stanton said the issue of low stock numbers was compounded by the traditional shortage of numbers through winter.

"There is huge pressure on the market and buyers at the other end do get scared off," he said.

Wellard Rural Exports managing director Steve Meerwald said exporters have been struggling to fill ships for some time.

"I think the battle to fill ships will continue, it is going to be very difficult in the coming months and a lot tougher this year," Mr Meerwald said.

"The drop in sheep numbers is not unique to Australia though.

"Around the world it has been based on wool values."