Remembering Orion Samuelson: A Tribute to a Legendary Farm Broadcaster
Orion Samuelson, a beloved voice in the Midwestern farming community for six decades, passed away at the age of 91. His farm reports on WGN-AM and WGN-TV were relied upon by farmers to make crucial decisions about their crops and livestock. Samuelson began his career at WGN radio in 1960 and had the opportunity to interview several U.S. Presidents during his time as a farm broadcaster. He was a strong advocate for the agriculture community, reporting not only on news affecting farmers but also on their needs and challenges.
Born on a dairy farm near Ontario, Wisconsin, Samuelson's early radio career included hosting a polka show in Sparta, Wisconsin, before joining WGN in 1960. He hosted popular programs like Top O' The Morning on WGN-TV and the National Barn Dance, Chicago's version of the Grand Ole Opry. Samuelson later co-hosted the U.S. Farm Report with Max Armstrong, a syndicated television show that reached 150 markets nationwide. Together, they were the trusted voices for farm news and information for over four decades.
A respected leader in the farm broadcasting community, Samuelson was a member of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB) for nearly 70 years. He served as NAFB President in 1965, was named Farm Broadcaster of the Year in 2003, and was inducted into the NAFB Hall of Fame in 1999. In recognition of his contributions to radio broadcasting, Samuelson was also inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2003.
Orion Samuelson's legacy as a dedicated farm broadcaster and advocate for rural America will be remembered by generations of farmers and listeners. His passion for agriculture and commitment to providing accurate and timely information to the farming community have left an indelible mark on the industry. Samuelson's impact on the world of farm broadcasting will be felt for years to come.