Caleb Connolly works as an economist in Australia’s agriculture industry
Caleb is changing the game in farming, helping solve some of agriculture’s biggest problems, with his high-level maths skills. As a senior economist in Queensland’s Department of Primary Industries, he spends his days comparing various farming practices to ensure the industry is both profitable and sustainable.
“I focus on production economics in horticulture, sugarcane and fallow crops,” says the James Cook University graduate. “And I love bringing together people with different perspectives – producers, economists and agronomists!”
One of Caleb’s favourite parts of the job is meeting farmers in the field and problem-solving together.
“I really enjoy engaging with producers… presenting research findings, providing training in decision support tools and completing socio-economic work on the ground with producers.”
He’s already worked on important projects like how to tackle soil regeneration and reduce herbicide costs.
Caleb’s path to becoming an economist
- Bachelor of Economics (Honours), James Cook University
- Agricultural Economist, Department of Primary Industries
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A version of this profile also appears in Careers with STEM: Economics 2025.
