Legendary Farm Broadcaster Orion Samuelson Dies at 91

The Trusted Voice Farmers Relied on for 60 Years

Mar. 17, 2026 at 5:10am

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Orion Samuelson, a beloved farm broadcaster who was a fixture on WGN radio and TV for six decades, passed away 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 trusted voice in the agriculture community, reporting not just on news that impacted farmers, but also advocating for the needs of producers and rural Americans. His passing marks the end of an era in farm broadcasting.

The details

Samuelson began his career at WGN in 1960 and went on to host the syndicated TV show "U.S. Farm Report" with fellow farm broadcaster Max Armstrong. Together, they were known as the "Chet Huntley and David Brinkley of farm broadcasting." Over his career, Samuelson 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 passed away on Monday, March 16, 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

A fellow farm broadcaster who co-hosted the syndicated TV show "U.S. Farm Report" with Orion Samuelson for 42 years.

John F. Kennedy

The U.S. president whom Samuelson interviewed and had a memorable conversation with about dairy policy in 1960 while Samuelson was working in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Harry Truman

The U.S. president whom Samuelson gave an honorary membership to the National Association of Farm Broadcasters (NAFB) and visited at his home in Independence.

George H.W. Bush

The U.S. president who invited Samuelson to the White House for an extended interview.

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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 that Midwestern farmers relied on for six decades to make critical decisions about their operations. His advocacy for the agriculture community and his interviews with eight U.S. presidents cemented his legacy as a legendary figure in the industry.