Legendary farm broadcaster Orion Samuelson dies at 91

CHICAGO — Broadcasting legend and farmer advocate and friend Orion Samuelson died March 16, WGN Radio announced. He was 91.

Bringing agriculture to life through his decades of reports on WGN Radio and television, Samuelson spent 60 years broadcasting until his retirement in 2020. He grew up on his family’s dairy farm in Wisconsin, then went into the radio business.

“Orion Samuelson’s name resonates very much like his signature voice. It’s difficult to articulate the significance of his broadcasting career,” said Mary Boyle, WGN Radio vice president and general manager.

“While he was the farmer’s champion to be sure, his uniquely informative, friendly style developed broad rapport with everyday listeners, as well.”

Samuelson hosted “Top O’ the Morning” on WGN-TV during the 1960s. He went on to host a farm show with Max Armstrong that was syndicated to 150 television markets across the country.

He interviewed nine presidents and reported from all 50 states, as well as more than 40 countries around the world.

“A 60-year relationship with the WGN Radio audience educating us on many things — among them, if you eat, you’re involved in agriculture,” Boyle said.

“A consummate gentleman with an inspirational work ethic, equally at ease with kids in a 4-H competition or presidents.”

At the 1997 Illinois State Fair, Gov. Jim Edgar changed the name of the Junior Livestock Building to the Orion Samuelson Junior Livestock Building as a tribute to his decades of service to the agricultural youth of Illinois.

“Orion dedicated his career to Illinois’ No. 1 industry and was a consistent, trusted voice for farmers across the state,” said Jerry Costello II, the director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture.

“His legacy as the official emcee of the Illinois State Fair Sale of Champions, along with his unwavering support of 4-H, FFA and youth in agriculture, will have a lasting impact for generations to come.”