GrassWorks grew out of the farm crisis of the 1980s and was established to promote a farmer network that advocated for greater support from government policy, timely and relevant research, and technical assistance for implementation of conservation practices. The group stepped up to be leaders in promoting grazing in Wisconsin and established educational programs, with an annual conference being its signature event, to showcase techniques and share information in a grazing community. Over the next 35 years, GrassWorks has flourished with its farmer-led grassroots approach, advancing educational programming and creating networks for grass-based agriculture that support healthy soil, clean air and water, and healthy rural communities.  

Beginning in 1989, the grazing community began honoring individuals and families for their outstanding contributions to inspire others and champion grazing. GrassWorks has celebrated several types of awards at its annual conference including CALS Honorary Recognition Award and Agri-View Agri-Communicator Award. In 2007 GrassWorks established the Grazing Advocate Award and then renamed it in 2017 in honor of former board member and 2014 awardee Jerold Berg, in his namesake. Since 2017 the award memorializes the persistence and dedication that Jerold embodied and is carried on in all who have received the Grazing Advocate Award as well as the grazing community as a whole. This award celebrates the outstanding achievements and contributions to advancing grass-based agriculture that are so meaningful and unique to the grazing community.

Nominations for the 2026 Jerold Berg Grazing Advocate Award must be submitted no later than November 5, 2025.