Orion Samuelson Obituary – Cause of Death Chicago: In loving memory of legendary farm broadcaster, Orion Samuelson ‘the Voice of Agriculture’

Orion Samuelson Obituary – Cause of Death Chicago: The agricultural and broadcasting communities are mourning the loss of Orion Samuelson, a pioneering voice in farm radio and television who died at the age of 91 following a brief illness. Samuelson passed away at his home in Huntley, Illinois, with his wife, Gloria, by his side.

Widely known as the “Voice of Agriculture,” Samuelson spent more than six decades championing American farmers and bringing agricultural issues to both rural and urban audiences. His retirement in 2020 marked the end of a remarkable 60-year career with WGN Radio, where he became one of the most recognizable and respected figures in agricultural broadcasting.

Colleagues and industry leaders have paid tribute to Samuelson’s legacy, including longtime collaborator Max Armstrong, who described him as “a champion for the American farmer” and noted that he was advocating for agriculture long before it gained widespread attention.

Over the course of his career, Samuelson helped shape how agriculture was communicated to the public. He launched the nationally syndicated television programs U.S. Farm Report in 1975 and This Week in AgriBusiness in 2005, both of which became essential sources of information for farmers and agribusiness professionals across the country.

Samuelson’s work took him far beyond the studio. He conducted interviews with numerous U.S. secretaries of agriculture and broadcast from all 50 states and more than 40 countries. Yet, much of his influence stemmed from his Chicago base, where he translated complex agricultural topics into language accessible to a broad audience. His weekly commentary, “Samuelson Sez,” became a hallmark of his career, often highlighting the challenges faced by farmers. One of his most quoted observations was: “A farmer buys everything retail and sells everything wholesale.”

Born and raised on a dairy farm in Wisconsin, Samuelson carried a strong work ethic throughout his life. He began his broadcasting career at local Wisconsin radio stations before joining WGN in 1960 at the age of 27. Reflecting on his first day at the station years later, he recalled expecting to be overlooked among seasoned broadcasters but instead found a welcoming environment that helped launch his enduring career.

Samuelson quickly gained popularity for his ability to explain agricultural markets, food production, and rural issues in a way that resonated with listeners far beyond farming communities. Broadcasting from downtown Chicago, he became a trusted voice who connected urban audiences with the realities of agriculture.

His contributions earned him numerous honors, including recognition as a Prairie Farmer Honorary Master Farmer and induction into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2003.

Samuelson’s passing marks the end of an era in agricultural journalism. His legacy lives on through the programs he created, the stories he told, and the countless farmers and listeners he informed and inspired. He is remembered not only as a broadcaster, but as a tireless advocate for agriculture whose voice helped shape the industry for generations.