A servant’s heart: Thank you, Orion

I went digging through my files and found something I wrote in August 2003. Back then, I was reflecting on a man who had already left an indelible mark on agriculture and broadcasting.

Today, I read those words again with a heavier heart, knowing that Orion Samuelson signed off for the final time at the age of 91 — fittingly, as National Ag Week began.

I first met Orion in person when I was a senior at Western Illinois University, serving as a queen for the Illinois beef industry. Walking into the WGN studios in Chicago felt like stepping onto sacred ground.

Orion welcomed me like I belonged there, like I was part of something bigger. That morning, I joined him on his early show, “Top O’ the Morning.”

Later that day, as I made my way through the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, trader after trader stopped me to say they had seen the segment. That was Orion’s reach. That was his influence.

Over the years, our paths crossed often. As a farm broadcaster and a member of the National Association of Farm Broadcasters, I had the chance to serve alongside him on committees, learn from him and even compete with him in some markets.

But, let me tell you, it was always the kind of competition rooted in respect, the kind where you’re pushing each other to be better because the audience deserves nothing less.

Orion wasn’t my formal mentor, but he didn’t have to be. His work ethic spoke louder than any lesson plan ever could. His passion for agriculture, farmers, for rural America — that was the blueprint.

He helped all of us understand that our job wasn’t just to report the news. It was to be a bridge. To tell the farmer’s story to the city and, just as importantly, to make sure rural voices were heard and valued.

I wrote in this column in 2003 about the incredible milestone when Orion was inducted into both the NAFB Hall of Fame and the Radio Hall of Fame, becoming the first farm broadcaster to ever receive that distinction. I remember his humility then.

He talked about standing alongside giants like Paul Harvey and Gene Autry and how he accepted that honor not just for himself, but for every farmer, rancher and broadcaster who believed in the power of this industry.

Even then, Orion understood something that still rings true today: this business only works when people in leadership recognize the importance of agriculture.

And he never forgot to credit the people around him — the listeners, the viewers, his colleagues and his family.

Orion once joked, “I left the farm because I didn’t want to get up at 5 a.m. to milk cows. Now I get up at 3 a.m. to do a radio program for those who do.”

That line always stuck with me. It said everything about his commitment.

Thank you, Orion, for carrying the torch, for blazing the trail and for reminding all of us what it means to serve agriculture with heart.