ebab7d0da53c51438720d60c6e2e467c - /page/wikibook/entry.mu

Micron Document

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`!Orion Samuelson`! (/ˈɔːriən/ `*OR-ee-ən`*; born March 31, 1934) is a retired American broadcaster, known for his agriculture broadcasts and his ability to explain `F33f`_`[agribusiness`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Agribusiness]`_`f and food production in an understandable way.`:cite-ref-1[`F5bf`_`[1`#cite-note-1]`_`f] He was inducted into the `F33f`_`[Radio Hall of Fame`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Radio_Hall_of_Fame]`_`f in 2003.`:cite-ref-hof-2-0[`F5bf`_`[2`#cite-note-hof-2]`_`f]

>>Contents

• `F0af`_`[Career`#career]`_`f

• `F0af`_`[Awards`#awards]`_`f

• `F0af`_`[Listen to`#listen-to]`_`f

• `F0af`_`[References`#references]`_`f

• `F0af`_`[External links`#external-links]`_`f

-─

>>Career

Samuelson was born on a dairy farm in `F33f`_`[Ontario, Wisconsin`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Ontario,_Wisconsin]`_`f, near `F33f`_`[LaCrosse`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=La_Crosse,_Wisconsin]`_`f. Growing up on the farm Samuelson was expected to take over the family business, but a leg disease made it impossible to do heavy work.`:cite-ref-wgntv-com-3-0[`F5bf`_`[3`#cite-note-wgntv-com-3]`_`f] He considered becoming a `F33f`_`[Lutheran`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Lutheran]`_`f pastor before deciding on six months of radio school. His early work was based in `F33f`_`[Wisconsin`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Wisconsin]`_`f, at `F33f`_`[WKLJ`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=WKLJ]`_`f in Sparta, `F33f`_`[WHBY`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=WHBY]`_`f in Appleton, and `F33f`_`[WBAY-TV`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=WBAY-TV]`_`f/`F33f`_`[AM`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=WTAQ]`_`f in `F33f`_`[Green Bay`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Green_Bay,_Wisconsin]`_`f.

Samuelson was heard on `F33f`_`[WGN radio`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=WGN_(AM)]`_`f in Chicago for sixty years as the station's head agriculture broadcaster from 1960 through 2020, getting the job after his predecessor Norm Kraft `F33f`_`[abruptly resigned from his position on-air`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=List_of_on-air_resignations]`_`f.`:cite-ref-4[`F5bf`_`[4`#cite-note-4]`_`f] In May 1960, one of Mr. Samuelson's first assignments for WGN was to `F33f`_`[emcee`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Emcee]`_`f the `*`F33f`_`[National Barn Dance`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=National_Barn_Dance]`_`f`*, a long running program that WGN had just acquired when `F33f`_`[WLS radio`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=WLS_(AM)]`_`f discontinued its association with `F33f`_`[Prairie Farmer`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Prairie_Farmer]`_`f magazine. WLS had converted to "The Station With Personality" and started playing `F33f`_`[rock 'n' roll`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Rock_'n'_roll]`_`f. Three years into his tenure at WGN, Samuelson was the staffer who read the news of the `F33f`_`[John F. Kennedy assassination`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=John_F._Kennedy_assassination]`_`f. His career led him to have dinner at the White House and travel to 43 countries `:cite-ref-5[`F5bf`_`[5`#cite-note-5]`_`f] including `F33f`_`[Cuba`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Cuba]`_`f, where he shook hands with `F33f`_`[Fidel Castro`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Fidel_Castro]`_`f, `F33f`_`[Moscow`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Moscow]`_`f where he met with `F33f`_`[Mikhail Gorbachev`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Mikhail_Gorbachev]`_`f, and `F33f`_`[England`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=England]`_`f to broadcast live from the `F33f`_`[Royal Agricultural Show`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Royal_Show]`_`f. He traveled with the Secretary of Agriculture and the Prime Minister of `F33f`_`[India`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=India]`_`f to see the `F33f`_`[Taj Mahal`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Taj_Mahal]`_`f.`:cite-ref-wgntv-com-3-1[`F5bf`_`[3`#cite-note-wgntv-com-3]`_`f] He interviewed and/or met every US president from `F33f`_`[Dwight D. Eisenhower`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Dwight_D._Eisenhower]`_`f to `F33f`_`[Donald Trump`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Donald_Trump]`_`f,`:cite-ref-investigatemidwest-org-6-0[`F5bf`_`[6`#cite-note-investigatemidwest-org-6]`_`f] including `F33f`_`[John F. Kennedy`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=John_F._Kennedy]`_`f (when he was still a Senator), `F33f`_`[Lyndon Johnson`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Lyndon_Johnson]`_`f, `F33f`_`[Richard Nixon`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Richard_Nixon]`_`f, `F33f`_`[Gerald Ford`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Gerald_Ford]`_`f, `F33f`_`[Ronald Reagan`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Ronald_Reagan]`_`f, `F33f`_`[George H. W. Bush`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=George_H._W._Bush]`_`f, `F33f`_`[George W. Bush`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=George_W._Bush]`_`f, and `F33f`_`[Bill Clinton`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Bill_Clinton]`_`f,`:cite-ref-i-m-a-lutheran-orion-samuelson-7-0[`F5bf`_`[7`#cite-note-i-m-a-lutheran-orion-samuelson-7]`_`f]`:cite-ref-investigatemidwest-org-6-1[`F5bf`_`[6`#cite-note-investigatemidwest-org-6]`_`f] and additionally, after he was 20 years out of the Oval Office, `F33f`_`[Harry S. Truman`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Harry_S._Truman]`_`f.`:cite-ref-i-m-a-lutheran-orion-samuelson-7-1[`F5bf`_`[7`#cite-note-i-m-a-lutheran-orion-samuelson-7]`_`f]

During the 1960s, Samuelson hosted an early-morning show on `F33f`_`[WGN-TV`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=WGN-TV]`_`f, `*Top 'O' the Morning`*, first with organist Harold Turner, then with Max Armstrong. From 1975 to 2005, Samuelson was the host of `*`F33f`_`[U.S. Farm Report`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=U.S._Farm_Report]`_`f`*, a weekly television newsmagazine dedicated to agriculture. `*U.S. Farm Report`* continued without Samuelson after his departure. Samuelson hosted a similar show, `*This Week in Agribusiness`*, along with his longtime collaborator `F33f`_`[Max Armstrong`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Max_Armstrong]`_`f, until his retirement, and continues to make occasional commentaries on that show with Armstrong as host. Both shows aired on 190 Midwest stations`:cite-ref-8[`F5bf`_`[8`#cite-note-8]`_`f] via `F33f`_`[first-run syndication`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Broadcast_syndication]`_`f.`:cite-ref-hof-2-1[`F5bf`_`[2`#cite-note-hof-2]`_`f]

Politically, Samuelson was a Republican; he supported the production of `F33f`_`[ethanol fuel`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Ethanol_fuel]`_`f from corn, to help American farmers.`:cite-ref-9[`F5bf`_`[9`#cite-note-9]`_`f] In 2004, `F33f`_`[Dennis Hastert`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Dennis_Hastert]`_`f approached Samuelson about running for office against `F33f`_`[Barack Obama`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Barack_Obama]`_`f in the `F33f`_`[2004 United States Senate election in Illinois`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=2004_United_States_Senate_election_in_Illinois]`_`f; Samuelson, though he was eager to enter the race, was forced to decline due a throat infection that doctors and his wife warned would be fatal if he attempted the campaign.`:cite-ref-10[`F5bf`_`[10`#cite-note-10]`_`f]

On the lighter side, Samuelson and a studio group dubbed the "`F33f`_`[Uff da`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Uff_da]`_`f Band" once recorded covers of `F33f`_`[Yogi Yorgesson`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Harry_Stewart]`_`f's novelty songs `*`F33f`_`[I Yust Go Nuts at Christmas`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=I_Yust_Go_Nuts_at_Christmas]`_`f`* and `*Yingle Bells`*. Samuelson held the same position in the broadcasting industry for 60 consecutive years through 2020,`:cite-ref-11[`F5bf`_`[11`#cite-note-11]`_`f] second only to `F33f`_`[Los Angeles Dodgers Radio Network`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Los_Angeles_Dodgers_Radio_Network]`_`f announcer `F33f`_`[Vin Scully`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Vin_Scully]`_`f.

In 2001, Samuelson was named a laureate of `F33f`_`[The Lincoln Academy of Illinois`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=The_Lincoln_Academy_of_Illinois]`_`f and was awarded the Order of Lincoln – the highest award bestowed by the `F33f`_`[State of Illinois`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=State_of_Illinois]`_`f. The `F33f`_`[University of Illinois`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=University_of_Illinois]`_`f presented Samuelson with the honorary degree of Doctor of Letters. He was honored at the 2010 Wisconsin Corn/Soy Expo in `F33f`_`[Wisconsin Dells`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Wisconsin_Dells,_Wisconsin]`_`f. Samuelson received a custom-engraved Norwegian horse plaque to commemorate the occasion from presidents of the Wisconsin Corn Growers Association, the Wisconsin Soybean Association, the Wisconsin Agri-Services Association, and the Wisconsin Pork Association. On December 9, 2010, the southwest corner of E. Illinois St. & N. Cityfront Plaza Dr. was named 'Orion Samuelson Way' by the city of Chicago.`:cite-ref-12[`F5bf`_`[12`#cite-note-12]`_`f]`:cite-ref-13[`F5bf`_`[13`#cite-note-13]`_`f] In 2014 he was awarded the VERITAS award by American Agri-Women (AAW) Organization.`:cite-ref-14[`F5bf`_`[14`#cite-note-14]`_`f]

Samuelson serves as a Board Member Emeritus for the Illinois Agricultural Leadership Foundation (IALF) having previously served as chairman of the board. He also serves on the Farm Foundation Bennett Round Table, and is a former member of the board of the Agriculture Future of America, the Board of Farm Safety 4 Just Kids, the board of directors of the Foods Resource Bank, a former trustee of the Cornerstone Foundation of `F33f`_`[Lutheran Social Services of Illinois`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Lutheran_Social_Services_of_Illinois]`_`f, and a former member of the board of trustees of the National 4-H Council.`:cite-ref-15[`F5bf`_`[15`#cite-note-15]`_`f]

On November 1, 2012, Samuelson published his autobiography "You Can’t Dream Big Enough" via Bantry Bay Media.`:cite-ref-16[`F5bf`_`[16`#cite-note-16]`_`f]

In 2014 the `F33f`_`[CME Group`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=CME_Group]`_`f and the National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB) Foundation announced the inaugural recipient of the Orion Samuelson Scholarship ($5,000) for a senior at the `F33f`_`[University of Illinois`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=University_of_Illinois]`_`f, Urbana-Champaign. The scholarship is presented to a college student seeking a career in agricultural communications.`:cite-ref-17[`F5bf`_`[17`#cite-note-17]`_`f]

On September 23, 2020, Samuelson announced his retirement from WGN Radio. His final broadcast on WGN was the noon business report on December 31, 2020.`:cite-ref-18[`F5bf`_`[18`#cite-note-18]`_`f]`:cite-ref-wgntv-com-3-2[`F5bf`_`[3`#cite-note-wgntv-com-3]`_`f]

>>Awards

• `F33f`_`[National Radio Hall of Fame`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=National_Radio_Hall_of_Fame]`_`f, 2003`:cite-ref-hof-2-2[`F5bf`_`[2`#cite-note-hof-2]`_`f]

• `F33f`_`[American Farm Bureau`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=American_Farm_Bureau]`_`f's Distinguished Service Award, 1998`:cite-ref-hof-2-3[`F5bf`_`[2`#cite-note-hof-2]`_`f]

• National Association of Farm Broadcasting Hall of Fame, 1999`:cite-ref-19[`F5bf`_`[19`#cite-note-19]`_`f]

• `F33f`_`[4-H`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=4-H]`_`f Alumni Award`:cite-ref-hof-2-4[`F5bf`_`[2`#cite-note-hof-2]`_`f]

• Oscar`:cite-ref-hof-2-5[`F5bf`_`[2`#cite-note-hof-2]`_`f]

• `F33f`_`[Norsk Høstfest`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Norsk_Høstfest]`_`f `F33f`_`[Scandinavian-American`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=Scandinavian-American]`_`f Hall of Fame `:cite-ref-20[`F5bf`_`[20`#cite-note-20]`_`f]

• Orion Samuelson was inducted as a Laureate of `F33f`_`[The Lincoln Academy of Illinois`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=The_Lincoln_Academy_of_Illinois]`_`f and awarded the Order of Lincoln (the State's highest honor) by the governor of Illinois in 2001 in the area of Communication and Agriculture.`:cite-ref-21[`F5bf`_`[21`#cite-note-21]`_`f] American Agri-Women Veritas Award, 2015

>>Listen to

• Christmas Eve air check from Radio Hall of Fame

>>References

`:cite-note-1`!1.`! `F0af`_`[↑`#cite-ref-1]`_`f "Robservations: WGN Radio names Steve Alexander to succeed Orion Samuelson - Robert Feder".

`:cite-note-hof-2`!2.`! `F0af`_`[↑`#cite-ref-hof-2-0]`_`f "Samuelson Bio". `*Radio Hall of Fame`*. Archived from the original on 2013-01-23.

`:cite-note-wgntv-com-3`!3.`! `F0af`_`[↑`#cite-ref-wgntv-com-3-0]`_`f "Legendary agribusiness broadcaster Orion Samuelson on 60 years". 19 December 2020.

`:cite-note-4`!4.`! `F0af`_`[↑`#cite-ref-4]`_`f Orion Samuelson oral history interview

`:cite-note-5`!5.`! `F0af`_`[↑`#cite-ref-5]`_`f "You Can't Dream Big Enough".

`:cite-note-investigatemidwest-org-6`!6.`! `F0af`_`[↑`#cite-ref-investigatemidwest-org-6-0]`_`f "President Trump makes surprise phone call during Decatur Farm Progress Show". 30 August 2019.

`:cite-note-i-m-a-lutheran-orion-samuelson-7`!7.`! `F0af`_`[↑`#cite-ref-i-m-a-lutheran-orion-samuelson-7-0]`_`f "I'm a Lutheran: Orion Samuelson". 15 December 2017.

`:cite-note-8`!8.`! `F0af`_`[↑`#cite-ref-8]`_`f "Radio Hall of Fame - Orion Samuelson, Farm Broadcaster". `*www.radiohof.org`*. Archived from the original on 23 January 2013. Retrieved 12 January 2022.

`:cite-note-9`!9.`! `F0af`_`[↑`#cite-ref-9]`_`f "News".

`:cite-note-10`!10.`! `F0af`_`[↑`#cite-ref-10]`_`f `:citerefbergmeier2024`aBergmeier, Dave (2024-03-29). "Ag broadcasting giant Samuelson turns 90". `*High Plains Journal`*. Retrieved 2025-01-29.

`:cite-note-11`!11.`! `F0af`_`[↑`#cite-ref-11]`_`f "WGN's Orion Samuelson to have heart surgery".

`:cite-note-12`!12.`! `F0af`_`[↑`#cite-ref-12]`_`f `*Orion Samuelson, Voice of Agriculture`* (The National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry)

`:cite-note-13`!13.`! `F0af`_`[↑`#cite-ref-13]`_`f `*Wisconsin Farm Groups Honor Orion Samuelson`* (AgriView)

`:cite-note-14`!14.`! `F0af`_`[↑`#cite-ref-14]`_`f "News Releases".

`:cite-note-15`!15.`! `F0af`_`[↑`#cite-ref-15]`_`f "Illinois Agricultural Leadership Foundation Board of Directors".

`:cite-note-16`!16.`! `F0af`_`[↑`#cite-ref-16]`_`f `:citerefsamuelson2012`aSamuelson, Orion (November 2012). `*You Can't Dream Big Enough: The American Farmer's Friend for over 60 Years`*. Bantry Bay Media. `F33f`_`[ISBN`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=ISBN_(identifier)]`_`f 9780985067311.

`:cite-note-17`!17.`! `F0af`_`[↑`#cite-ref-17]`_`f "CME Group and NAFB Foundation to Award First-Ever Orion Samuelson Scholarship for Agricultural Communications" (Press release).

`:cite-note-18`!18.`! `F0af`_`[↑`#cite-ref-18]`_`f `:citereffeder`aFeder, Robert. "Orion Samuelson to retire after 60 years at WGN Radio". `*www.robertfeder.com`*. Retrieved 2020-09-23.

`:cite-note-19`!19.`! `F0af`_`[↑`#cite-ref-19]`_`f "NAFB Hall of Fame". `*nafb.com`*. Retrieved August 1, 2025.

`:cite-note-20`!20.`! `F0af`_`[↑`#cite-ref-20]`_`f `*Hall of Fame`* (Norsk Høstfest)

`:cite-note-21`!21.`! `F0af`_`[↑`#cite-ref-21]`_`f "Laureates by Year - The Lincoln Academy of Illinois". `*The Lincoln Academy of Illinois`*. Archived from the original on 2018-11-18. Retrieved 2016-03-07.

>>External links

• This Week in Agribusiness

• Samuelson Sez - Weekly commentary

• Orion Samuelson at the `F33f`_`[National Radio Hall of Fame`:/page/wikibook/entry.mu`zim=wikipedia_en_all_nopic_2025-08.zim|entry_path=National_Radio_Hall_of_Fame]`_`f

• Tribune Radio Network

• Orion Samuelson, Keynote Speaker Profile American Agri-Women Veritas Award

• Legendary agribusiness broadcaster Orion Samuelson on 60 years

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