BEECHER, IL - The skyrocketing price of hay has left some Illinois horse owners overwhelmed.

A spokesman for the Illinois Horse Rescue of Will County says he's been inundated with calls from people to give up their animals because they can't afford to feed them.

The Children's Farm in Palos Park says they get calls every day from people who want to donate their horse.

The SouthtownStar reports that the cost of a single bale of hay is already much higher than last year. The newspaper's check online showed up to $9 this year compared with $3 average for last year.

The trend is echoing nationwide. Farmers and ranchers are having a tough time growing hay because of the widespread drought.