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3. 2026 Extension Risk Management Education National Conference

Mitigating Risk for Turfgrass Producers in Uncertain Conditions

Courtney Bir and Mingying Xiang

Summary

The U.S. turfgrass industry contributes approximately $40 billion to the economy each year. Oklahoma ranks fifth nationally, with 105 seed and sod farms covering a combined 30,000 acres. As challenges such as drought and market volatility intensify, effective risk management strategies are increasingly critical. To address this need, we developed an educational program specifically tailored to equip turfgrass producers with strategies to manage various risks—areas where support has been limited.

We are reaching producers through a combination of in-person workshops, online events, and regional workshops. We focus on managing production risks through hands-on demonstrations in irrigation, nutrient management, pest control, and methods
to extend sod shelf life. Legal topics address environmental regulations, while marketing education will cover demand fluctuations, input costs, and contract strategies. Human risk
management emphasizes labor efficiency and safety, and financial management introduces tools for assessing capital costs, cash flow, and financial resilience. Additionally, we will guide participants in understanding and obtaining relevant certifications. Our goal is to
empower southern turfgrass producers to adopt improved risk management practices for more resilient and profitable operations.

Details

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