Orion Samuelson, the revered voice of American agriculture broadcasting for decades, passed away on March 16, 2026, at the age of 91. Born on a dairy farm in Ontario, Wisconsin, on March 31, 1934, Samuelson's life was deeply rooted in the agricultural world he so passionately championed. His early experiences on the farm instilled in him a profound understanding and respect for the industry that would become his lifelong focus.

A childhood illness, Legg-Perthes disease, at age 14, prevented him from pursuing a physically demanding career in farming, inadvertently steering him towards broadcasting. After attending radio school, Samuelson began his career in Wisconsin, honing his skills at stations like WKLJ in Sparta, WHBY in Appleton, and WBAY-TV/AM in Green Bay. These formative years laid the groundwork for a distinguished career that would eventually make him a household name across rural America.

His defining move came in September 1960 when he joined WGN Radio in Chicago as its head agriculture broadcaster. This marked the beginning of an extraordinary 60-year tenure at the station, where his distinctive, booming voice became synonymous with agricultural news and information. He quickly became a trusted source for farmers and consumers alike, adept at explaining complex agribusiness and food production topics in an accessible manner. One of his first assignments at WGN was to emcee the long-running National Barn Dance.

Samuelson's influence extended beyond radio. In 1975, he launched and hosted the weekly television program "U.S. Farm Report," further solidifying his role as a leading agricultural communicator. His career was marked by extensive travel, taking him to 43 countries and allowing him to meet numerous world leaders and every U.S. Secretary of Agriculture since 1960, advocating for the farming community.

Throughout his career, Samuelson received numerous accolades for his dedication and impact. He was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2003, a testament to his enduring legacy in broadcasting. In 2001, he was awarded the Order of Lincoln, the highest honor bestowed by the State of Illinois, recognizing his significant contributions to communication and agriculture. The city of Chicago also honored him by naming a street corner 'Orion Samuelson Way' in 2010.

Samuelson retired from WGN Radio on December 31, 2020, concluding an unparalleled six-decade career. In 2012, he shared his life story and insights in his autobiography, "You Can't Dream Big Enough." Even in retirement, his legacy continued to inspire, with the establishment of the Orion Samuelson Scholarship for students pursuing agricultural communications. He and his wife, Gloria, divided their time between homes in Huntley, Illinois, and Scottsdale, Arizona. Orion Samuelson's unwavering commitment to agriculture and his ability to connect with audiences left an indelible mark on the industry and countless lives.