Soybean vein necrosis virus (SVNV), a tospovirus and one of the most widespread soybean viruses in North America, is primarily transmitted by soybean thrips (Neohydatothrips variabilis). Although soybean is not considered the primary plant host for SVNV, there is a dearth of knowledge about alternative host plants for SVNV. We therefore investigated whether commonly present specialty and cover crops in Iowa can serve as alternative hosts for SVNV. Seventeen cover crops and seven specialty crops were tested using mechanical and thrips inoculations. Clear symptoms of SVNV and systemic infection in buckwheat and clear local infection with possible systemic infection on melon were shown. Additionally, we compared soybean thrips feeding on 18 cover crops and determined that they preferred alfalfa, buckwheat, crimson clover, and red clover. Our results suggested that alternative host crops may harbor SVNV and be a possible source of inoculum for soybean.