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Legendary Farm Broadcaster Orion Samuelson Dies at 91
The Trusted Voice Farmers Relied on for 60 Years
Mar. 17, 2026 at 2:21am
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Orion Samuelson, a beloved farm broadcaster who was a fixture on WGN radio and TV for six decades, has died at the age of 91. Samuelson was known for his farm reports that helped Midwestern farmers make critical decisions about planting, harvesting, and selling their crops and livestock.
Why it matters
Samuelson was a legendary figure in farm broadcasting, earning numerous accolades and serving as a trusted voice for generations of Midwestern farmers. His passing marks the end of an era and the loss of an influential advocate for the agriculture community.
The details
Samuelson began his career at WGN in 1960 and went on to host the nationally syndicated TV show "U.S. Farm Report" alongside fellow farm broadcaster Max Armstrong. During his career, he interviewed eight U.S. presidents and was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2003.
- Samuelson began at WGN radio in 1960 when Dwight Eisenhower was President.
- Samuelson retired in 2020 after 60 years in farm broadcasting.
- Samuelson died on Monday, March 17, 2026 at the age of 91.
The players
Orion Samuelson
A legendary farm broadcaster who was a fixture on WGN radio and TV for six decades, known for his trusted farm reports that helped Midwestern farmers make critical decisions.
Max Armstrong
Samuelson's co-host on the nationally syndicated TV show "U.S. Farm Report", the two were known as the "Chet Huntley and David Brinkley of farm broadcasting".
John F. Kennedy
The former U.S. president whom Samuelson interviewed and discussed dairy policy with in 1960 when Kennedy was a senator running for president.
George H.W. Bush
The former U.S. president who invited Samuelson to the White House for an extended interview.
Harry Truman
The former U.S. president who was given an honorary membership by the National Association of Farm Broadcasters, which Samuelson was president of in 1965.
What they’re saying
“I had the opportunity to interview eight Presidents, and I would share this story about my experience with John F. Kennedy. While I was working in Green Bay, Wisconsin, in 1960, prior to moving to Chicago, then-Senator John F. Kennedy was running against Richard Nixon. Senator Kennedy made a campaign stop in Green Bay. I attended his briefing at a news conference. During the conference, I asked two questions about dairy policy.”
— Orion Samuelson
“My favorite memory happened in 1965 when I was elected the youngest president ever of NAFB, but two other big things happened that year. My adopted son arrived in the Samuelson household. He then became a trader at the Chicago Board of Trade and that was a happy moment. And then at the Convention, we gave an honorary membership to Harry Truman and I had the opportunity to go out to Independence to his home and meet the President and congratulate him.”
— Orion Samuelson
The takeaway
Orion Samuelson's passing marks the end of an era in farm broadcasting, as he was a trusted voice and advocate for Midwestern farmers for over six decades. His interviews with eight U.S. presidents and leadership in the National Association of Farm Broadcasters cemented his legacy as one of the most influential figures in the industry.
