Agriculture and farm broadcasting has lost a legend.
Long-time WGN Radio and television host Orion Samuelson passed away March 16, 2026, at the age of 91. Samuelson would have been 92 years old on March 31.
According to a news release from the National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB), Orion Samuelson, the “American Farmer’s Best Friend,” is a legend whose career is likely never to be duplicated. Affectionately known as ‘Big O’, Orion changed the farm media business and had a profound impact on all agriculture. He is one of agriculture’s few celebrities, known to millions by his first name only.
Entire generations have grown up on the farm listening intently when his trusted baritone voice came on the radio. His impact and influence transcended generations. Orion brought agriculture to life through decades of reporting on WGN Radio and television. He was the host for U.S. Farm Report and later This Week in Agribusiness. Samuelson spent 60 years in broadcasting until his retirement in 2020.
Our thoughts are with his wife Gloria, his family and countless friends. Orion was one of one and his legacy will live on forever.
WGN Radio has shared more details on his life and career: https://wgnradio.com/orion-samuelson/remembering-orion-samuelson/
NAFB shared a video with Orion and longtime co-host Max Armstrong that you can watch below:
You can also watch more from Max Armstrong and the This Week in Agribusiness team in this video below:
