CCFB News» March 2026

Cook County Farm Bureau leaders and members were saddened to learn of the passing of agricultural broadcasting legend, Orion Samuelson, on Monday, March 16, 2026 at the age of 91. Farmers across the country recognized Samuelson as a consummate advocate for them and their profession. Nonfarmers from the Chicagoland area learned and gained appreciation of farming and agriculture through Samuelson’s decades of farm reports and shows on WGN radio and television.

Samuelson, who retired in 2020, spent 60 years broadcasting. He partnered many years with farm broadcaster Max Armstrong both on the radio and television to report on farm markets and agricultural news. He grew up on a family dairy farm in Wisconsin.

Samuelson was a widely recognized figure amongst the Cook County Farm Bureau circles not only for his radio and television fame but serving as the keynote speaker at the 50^th anniversary annual meeting, at the 75^th anniversary annual meeting, and the 84^th anniversary annual meeting of the Cook County Farm Bureau membership. He also served as emcee at the retirement party of former Cook County Farm Bureau manager, Alden Kilian.

Samuelson would have been 92 on March 31. His ability to clearly communicate about agriculture and farming, his advocacy for the industry, his friendship with farmers and his powerful baritone voice will be remembered.