Turfgrass producers have a new risk management option to review this year.
On July 1, 2026, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a new pilot crop insurance program called Turfgrass Value Select, or TVS. The program is being offered through USDA’s Risk Management Agency and is designed to help address a long-standing coverage gap for the turfgrass industry.
For producers who grow irrigated turfgrass, this is worth paying attention to now. The initial sales closing date is September 1, 2026.
USDA’s Risk Management Agency is also hosting an online Turfgrass Value Select webinar on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM EDT.
What Is Turfgrass Value Select?
Turfgrass Value Select is an inventory-based crop insurance plan for eligible turfgrass producers.
According to USDA, the program allows producers to select a dollar amount of coverage for the irrigated turfgrass types they choose to insure. That coverage amount is based on the producer’s expected inventory and risk management needs.
In plain terms, TVS gives eligible turfgrass producers a new way to protect part of the value they have growing in the field. For an industry where production costs, weather exposure, irrigation needs, and inventory value can all be significant, this new option may be an important addition to the risk management conversation.
Why This Is Big News
USDA described Turfgrass Value Select as a first-ever opportunity for this type of insurance coverage for American turfgrass producers.
That matters because turfgrass is a specialized crop with risks that do not always fit neatly into traditional coverage options. Producers may carry substantial value in irrigated inventory before it is harvested or sold. A loss can affect more than production volume. It can also affect timing, quality, marketability, and cash flow.
For turfgrass producers who have had limited crop insurance options in the past, this pilot program creates a new reason to review risk management plans.
Why Drought Risk Matters
Turfgrass production is closely tied to water availability and consistent growing conditions. Drought, extended heat, irrigation restrictions, and rising water costs can all put pressure on crop quality and marketable inventory.
For sod and turfgrass producers, the risk is not only whether grass survives. It is whether the crop maintains the density, color, strength, and harvestability buyers expect. When weather stress reduces usable inventory or delays harvest, the financial impact can be significant.
That is why an inventory-based insurance option is worth a closer look. Turfgrass Value Select may give eligible producers another tool to consider as they plan around drought exposure, severe weather, and other risks that can affect the value of their crop before it reaches the customer.
Producers should review the actual policy details with a crop insurance agent to understand what is covered, what is not covered, and how losses are determined.
Where Is Turfgrass Value Select Available?
USDA says the pilot program is available in select counties in these states:
- Alabama
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- North Carolina
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- Texas
Availability is county-specific, so producers should confirm whether TVS is offered in their area before making plans around it.
What Optional Coverage May Be Available?
USDA also noted that producers who purchase TVS may be able to add additional protection for an extra premium.
Depending on location and availability, options may include:
- Occurrence Loss Option, which can provide shallow loss coverage
- Hurricane Insurance Protection – Wind Index, where that program is available
These add-ons may not apply everywhere. Producers should ask how each option works, what it costs, and whether it is available in their county.
USDA Webinar: Learn More About Turfgrass Value Select
USDA’s Risk Management Agency is hosting an online webinar for turfgrass producers who want to learn more about Turfgrass Value Select.
The webinar is scheduled for Tuesday, July 28, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM EDT.
According to RMA, the webinar will focus on Turfgrass Value Select, the new pilot crop insurance program for eligible irrigated turfgrass producers in select counties. This may be a helpful opportunity for producers to hear directly from USDA/RMA, better understand how the program works, and prepare questions before the September 1 sales closing date.
Producers interested in TVS should consider registering for the webinar and speaking with a crop insurance agent about county availability, eligibility, coverage options, and documentation needs.
Important Date: September 1, 2026
The initial sales closing date for Turfgrass Value Select is September 1, 2026.
USDA also says producers in eligible areas can purchase pro-rated coverage for the remainder of the crop year at any time after the initial sales closing date. Even so, producers who want to understand their options should start the conversation early.
An early review can help clarify eligibility, coverage levels, optional endorsements, premium costs, and documentation needs before the deadline arrives.
Questions Producers Should Ask
Turfgrass producers who may be eligible should contact a crop insurance agent and ask:
- Is Turfgrass Value Select available in my county?
- Which irrigated turfgrass types are eligible?
- How is expected inventory determined?
- What dollar amount of coverage can I select?
- What causes of loss are covered?
- Are drought, heat, wind, or other weather-related risks addressed under the policy?
- Are any optional endorsements available in my area?
- How would the Occurrence Loss Option work for my operation?
- Is Hurricane Insurance Protection – Wind Index available in my county?
- What premium costs and deadlines apply?
- What records or documentation should I have ready?
FAQ: Turfgrass Value Select
What is Turfgrass Value Select?
Turfgrass Value Select is a new USDA Risk Management Agency pilot crop insurance program for eligible irrigated turfgrass producers in select counties.
When is the sales closing date for Turfgrass Value Select?
The initial sales closing date is September 1, 2026.
Is there a USDA webinar about Turfgrass Value Select?
Yes. USDA’s Risk Management Agency is hosting an online Turfgrass Value Select webinar on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM EDT.
Which states are included in the pilot program?
USDA says TVS is available in select counties in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Texas.
Does Turfgrass Value Select cover drought?
Producers should confirm covered causes of loss with a crop insurance agent. Drought exposure is one reason turfgrass producers may want to review whether TVS fits their risk management plan.
Can producers add extra coverage?
USDA says producers who purchase TVS may be able to add the Occurrence Loss Option for shallow loss coverage or Hurricane Insurance Protection – Wind Index coverage in counties where the program is available.
Who should producers contact about TVS?
Interested producers should contact a crop insurance agent to confirm eligibility, availability, coverage options, premiums, documentation needs, and deadlines.
Bottom Line
Turfgrass Value Select is a new USDA crop insurance option that may help eligible turfgrass producers better manage risk tied to irrigated turfgrass inventory.
Because this is a pilot program and availability is limited by state and county, producers should confirm eligibility early and review the details before the September 1, 2026 sales closing date.
For turfgrass producers facing weather uncertainty, drought pressure, irrigation challenges, and high-value inventory in the field, this is a development worth understanding now.
