A super fund that’s primed for life

Dave McKeon shares what drives his more than 25-year relationship with Prime Super. 

From his early days on a farm in western New South Wales, Dave McKeon’s life and career have been grounded in agriculture. That deep connection to the land continues to influence every step of his journey, shaping his professional path and his financial choices. 

“I’ve always had that strong affiliation and practical grounding in production agriculture,” Dave explains, an ethos that has never left him, even as he’s transitioned into key leadership roles across the Australian agriculture sector. 

Dave’s relationship with Prime Super, a fund with equally strong regional roots, began with his first job back in 1999.  

As his career grew and diversified, from practical farming roles onto Federal Government appointments in Canberra to senior positions in industry organisations, his commitment to Prime Super remained steadfast. Even before stapling streamlined superannuation accounts, Dave made a point of rolling over his balances into his Prime Super account at each new career move. 

Over the years, Dave has worked with the Federal Department of Agriculture, the National Farmers’ Federation, and served as CEO of Grain Growers Limited, the peak body for the Australian grains industry.  

Today, he leads innovation and sustainable agriculture initiatives at Elders, bringing fresh thinking to an evolving sector within one of Australia’s most trusted agribusiness, while continuing to contribute to a range of industry initiatives through various Board and advisory committee roles. 

Dave is highly engaged with his super. His broad experience has given him the benefit of a close-up view of the importance of financial performance in superannuation funds and an understanding of how they work. 

“As super is mandatory, some of us remain quite passive in our engagement with our super fund. If you think about it, there’s a huge amount of trust we place with a fund that’s managing a large proportion of our retirement. That trust has to be earned not just in performance, but in its values, priorities and people.” 

And while his family influenced his choice of super fund at the start, the Fund’s performance and alignment with his professional journey has led him to stay with Prime Super all these years. 

“Over the years I have benchmarked super fund performance, and Prime Super continues to perform well,” he says. “For me, Prime Super’s asset allocations were performing very well, there’s real value and growth there.” 

He’s considering reallocating his funds into a high growth asset allocation option. 

“I’ve still got many working years ahead of me, and a longer time horizon to ride out fluctuations in the market. I’m thankful that it’s so easy to reach someone at Prime Super to discuss my options.” 

Prime Super’s regional origin is an important consideration for Dave. “Agriculture is a community,” he reflects. “There’s a close association between Prime Super’s leadership and people, and the sector itself. That alignment matters to me.” 

As someone who’s dedicated his life to Australian agriculture, it’s a connection Dave values deeply. 

“I’ve been with Prime Super for more than 25 years, starting out when I was just beginning my career. That trust has only grown – it’s built on the strength of their people, their values and consistent performance. Superannuation will play a big part in my future retirement and I feel confident leaving this in their hands. I’m looking forward to many more years together”, Dave McKeon, Prime Super member since 1999. 

_{Note: Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.} 

_{This article is current at the date of publication and is subject to change. It may include statements and opinions made by a person, or information based on a statement made or opinion given by a person, if that person has consented to its inclusion in the article. It contains general information only and does not take into account of your specific objectives, financial situation, needs or personal circumstances. You should seek personal advice or professional financial advice, consider your own circumstances and read our Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before making a decision about Prime Super. A copy of the PDS and Target Market Determination is available by calling 1800 675 839 or visiting primesuper.com.au/pds.}  

_{Prime Super Pty Ltd ABN 81 067 241 016 AFSL 219723 RSE L0000277 is the Trustee of Prime Super ABN 60 562 335 823 RN 1000276.}