Jim Brandle joined UNL in 1975. As a professor of forestry in the School of Natural Resources, his main research emphasis has been the role of woody plants in agricultural systems, particularly windbreaks and their effects on all aspects of crop production.
Brandle said that organizing the first International Windbreak Symposium in 1986 is one of his favorite memories.
"This meeting was attended by over 350 scientists from over 25 countries and led to some great friendships including two international leaves in Canada and Australia," he said. "It also produced the most recent text on Windbreak Technology in 1988 of which I was the lead editor. It is still the standard for information on windbreaks."
Additionally, Brandle enjoyed working with colleagues at the Agricultural Research and Development Center.
"There was Buck Hoover, my first technician from whom I learned how to farm; Bruce Bolander, who runs the shelterbelt area at ARDC; Mike Cieslik, who embraced our efforts in organic agriculture and Doug Watson, who took Mike's place when he retired," he said. "The shelterbelt program would not have been as successful without the outstanding support of these key folks."
When it comes to the evolving role that technology has played in his research, Brandle said there have been pros and cons.
"I find that the technology has made life easier and harder at the same time," he said. "The advances in the various types of instrumentation have been exciting and let us accomplish some amazing things. Thank goodness for the grad students who were quick to utilize the new technologies."
As for his post-retirement plans, Brandle has been granted emeritus status and will retain an office in Hardin Hall. He will continue to serve as manager of Prairie Pines and work on other projects.
And, weather permitting, he'd like to develop more of a green thumb.
"I will be spending more time in my garden if it ever stops raining."
— Mekita Rivas, Natural Resources