The price of agricultural fertilizer has more than doubled in the past year, causing major growing pains for Mesa County farmers.

Brent Constable of the Fruita Co-op says fertilizer prices have doubled, and phosphate prices tripled, just this year.

He says rising fuel costs and an increased demand for ethanol –made from corn– are to blame.

Local farmers agree its getting tougher on small farms.

Some say they're downsizing their farms and selling off animals that require a lot of feed.

Meantime, consumers will continue to see it affect their bottom line, at the grocery store.