Orion Samuelson, the legendary farm broadcaster whose voice was a daily fixture for generations of American farmers, died on March 17, 2026. He was 91. His death was confirmed by WGN Radio, where he had been a mainstay for over six decades.
Samuelson began his career in Wisconsin in the 1950s before joining WGN in Chicago in 1960. His program, "The Noon Show," and his farm market reports became essential listening for the agricultural community across the Midwest and beyond. He was known for his deep, trusted voice and his ability to explain complex market trends in understandable terms.
His influence extended beyond radio, as he also hosted the national television show "U.S. Farm Report" for many years. Samuelson received numerous accolades, including induction into the National Association of Farm Broadcasting Hall of Fame and the National Radio Hall of Fame.
Colleagues and listeners remembered him as a dedicated journalist and a passionate advocate for farmers. His career spanned monumental changes in agriculture, and he served as a vital link between rural America and the broader public.
