Shares in Carr's Milling Industries jumped by nearly 6% after the flour-to-feeds group said that a double boost from the UK's cold winter had driven its performance above market expectations.

The group said earnings for the year to early September were on track to come in "well above" last year's result after a "strong" performance during the spring.

The improvement reflected a jump in demand for feed, as prolonged cold weather caused livestock farmers to delay turning animals out to pasture.

As a second fillip, its fertilizer operations also benefited as livestock farmers prioritised pasture fertility, in an effort to ensure they meet next winter with adequate hay and other fodder in store.

"The long and severe winter depleted farmers' forage supplies and, in the spring, our grassland fertiliser products were in demand," the group said.

Shares rise 

Carr's said its food business, which supplies flour to bakers, food-makers and retailers, had suffered from weak consumer demand at a time when the market was suffering from overcapacity.

Nonetheless, the group had performed "ahead of market expectations" since late February.

"Carr's has continued to trade well," the company said.

The group's shares closed up 6.1% at 520p in London.