For Frostic Farms in Applegate, Michigan, the 2025 growing season delivered a mix of successes and challenges. Family-run and spanning 1,000 acres, the operation faced late-season drought that limited soybean potential and reduced sugarbeet tonnage, even as July rains fueled strong corn development.
“Every season brings its challenges and successes,” said Matt Frostic, who manages the farm with his wife Traci and three daughters. The Frostics also finish 500 head of cattle annually. Despite weather pressures, Frostic notes, “We’ve had good volume with our crops, so that slows us down some, but overall, it’s been a really good fall. It’s been dry, and our fields are in good shape right now.”
Corn: Strong yields but costly drying
Corn harvest is underway on 400 acres, with yields ranging from 200 to 250 bushels per acre. The July rains provided the moisture needed for strong growth, but high postharvest moisture levels are complicating drying. “Corn has been struggling to dry down all around here. With it being in the mid-to-high 20% moisture, we’re trying to be patient,” Frostic explained. The higher moisture will increase propane costs to achieve safe storage levels of 15.5% to 16%. Late-season disease pressure from tar spot and rust was mitigated through a strategic fungicide application at green silk.
Soybeans: Dry conditions bring mixed outcomes
Soybean harvest wrapped up in mid-October across 365 acres, averaging 50 bushels per acre. A lack of late-season rain prevented higher yields, which Frostic estimates could have added 10–15 bushels per acre. On the upside, dry conditions allowed for easy harvest, with beans entering storage at 10–12% moisture.
Sugarbeets: Lower tonnage offset by high sugar content
Frostic’s 140 acres of sugarbeets experienced disease pressure, requiring multiple fungicide treatments. While September dryness reduced yields from anticipated 30 tons per acre to the high 20s, sugar content reached exceptional levels of 290–305 pounds per ton. “We’d rather have sugar than tons at this point for profitability,” Frostic said, noting that cooperative harvesting through “the dig club” ensures efficient operations.
Cattle and market pressures
Beef markets remain strong due to low supply, though Frostic sees easing prices and challenges in sourcing replacement cattle. Tariffs have also added unexpected costs, exemplified by a $20,000 parts order that incurred a $2,000 surcharge.
Rising input costs
Input expenses remain the farm’s top concern, with climbing fertilizer, phosphate, and potash prices squeezing margins. “It’s a challenge to try and figure out how to make this work and turn a profit,” Frostic said, highlighting a four-to-five-year trend of rising costs. He is considering delaying fall potash applications and is actively involved in industry discussions as vice president of the National Corn Growers Association.
Looking ahead, Frostic remains cautious for 2026, monitoring both domestic and international developments, including China’s recent soybean purchases. Despite uncertainty, the Frostics plan to maintain their current crop rotation and planting strategies while hoping for market stabilization.
