Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – For over 60 years, Orion Samuelson ruled the radio and television reporting on farming and agriculture. To many he was a friend. To others he was a mentor. To the U.S. and especially in the Midwest, he was the preeminent farm and business broadcaster.
Monday, the world lost Orion Samuelson at the age of 91.
Jeff Nalley, WTAX’s Farm Director and remembered and paid tribute to his mentor and friend on the WTAX Morning Newswatch.
“Orion was the epitome of providing the information that farmers need,” said Nalley. “He spoke for them to provide information, but he also spoke for and on behalf of farmers to explain the complex issues and some of the antagonists. He was able to stand in the gap in bridge, farm, and city.”
Jeff had to tell a story that Orion told him.
“He was raised on a dairy farm, and he got onto media. His dad was still at home milking cows, and then one day, his dad showed up to the studio he was in working. seeing him prepare his midday reports and just sat there next to him, didn’t say a word. All it took was Orion speaking up to ask him, ‘So, dad, what do you think about this?’ His dad responds, ‘It just amazes me that you get paid to talk about all that hard work.'”
