Aimee Snowden used her little bricks to illustrate her new role for 2023.
In 2014, she became the ‘LEGO farmer’ who created amusing photos of little brick men working on the farm. Now she’s off overseas and hopes to include a visit to the home of LEGO in Denmark.
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Aimee Snowden was recently made a Nuffield Scholar, and the former Tocumwal farmer is now planning international study trips for next year to advance her knowledge and understanding of education in agriculture.
She began photographing tiny LEGO figures on the Tocumwal mixed farm of her parents in 2014 in a bid to raise the profile of farming, and this novel approach eventually propelled her into the world of agricultural education.
She established Little Brick Pastoral website, where she publishes the antics of her little farmers, and now hopes to include a visit to the home of LEGO on one of her European study trips in 2023.
‘Haymaking’ is one of Aimee Snowden's creations from the Little Brick Pastoral website.
The daughter of Phil and Lynda Snowden of Tocumwal, Ms Snowden attended Finley High School, which has a significant agricultural program in the curriculum — something she said was unfortunately rare in state education.
Ms Snowden said while programs in some schools were excellent, too many relied on local support and very dedicated staff who took a personal interest in the course.
“When they move on, there is a danger that the program can wind down,” she said.
Ms Snowden worked in agriculture education programs and initiatives in north-east Victoria with Charles Sturt University, and on South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula.
More recently she has worked at the Central Queensland University in Rockhampton.
Her playful photos have attracted a wide audience, and it propelled Ms Snowden to be engaged in developing agricultural education programs, resources and events.
She proposes to study agriculture education models that drive immersive experiences and engage curious minds.
“Currently agriculture education in schools relies on teacher knowledge and access to resources often funded by individual industries, yet research shows that if experiences are further provided, knowledge is more powerful and meaningful,” she said.
“An opportunity exists for more engaging experiences for students and teachers showcasing ag-tech and modern farming practices and removing industry silos.
“We have a vast array of industry bodies, RDCs and member organisations, with many developing education resources.
“However, we need an all-encompassing ag education experience that allows students to learn about Australian agriculture as one industry in a hands-on manner, and thereby consider a future where they can enjoy a prosperous and meaningful career.”
Traditionally students considering a future in agriculture had faced three perceived options — doing a bachelor of agriculture when they were going back onto the farm, doing ag science and becoming an agronomist or doing ag finance and going into banking.
Ms Snowden believes there is more to agriculture, and education should offer a greater number of pathways.
She is the first to acknowledge she has more questions than answers.
“That’s why I’m going with Nuffield — I hope to find some answers.”
Aimee Snowden's little brick farmer and friend from her Little Brick Pastoral website.
Nuffield Scholar Aimee Snowden.
The Nuffield scholars will travel in Australia and overseas to study innovative ideas, techniques and systems that will benefit their businesses and the broader agricultural industry.
Each 2023 scholar receives a $30,000 bursary to invest in travel and research. They will visit, learn from and collaborate with some of the world’s leading agricultural businesses and research institutions.
Nuffield Australia chief executive officer and 2013 Scholar, Jodie Redcliffe, said the scholarships enabled producers to learn about farming systems and innovations that can be game-changers for Australian agriculture.
“Nuffield Australia opens the world up for people in agriculture who are brave enough to be out of their comfort zone,” Ms Redcliffe said.
“A global perspective enables them to learn, be competitive and grow.”
