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This Week in Agribusiness
The bacteria of unknown origin nearly took the life of the man who has delivered the news of agriculture for more than a half-century. But after a month in the hospital, with 15 days of intensive care, and having been provided tender loving care by his wife Gloria, Orion looks and sounds as robust as ever and he shows few signs of slowing down. A New Broadcast Experience At a studio not far from Chicago’s sprawling O’Hare International Airport, Orion has entered yet another phase of his career. He and long-time colleague Max Armstrong now host This Week In AgriBusiness presenting the news of agriculture four times each weekend to RFD-TV viewers. The two veteran broadcasters make it clear they are thrilled with the opportunity and their viewers make it clear that there’s no one quite like these two when it comes to delivering the news affecting farmers, ranchers and consumers. “We have adopted the phrase ‘serving America’s most essential industry’ because we really want people to be aware of how crucial the men and women of agriculture are to all our lives," said Nick. “It’s more than just a throw-away phrase,” he added. “Where would we be without these folks who provideour food, fiber, fuel and a whole host of industrial products?” In fact, over his long career on radio and television in one of the largest cities in America, Orion has often told his audience, “If you eat, you too, are involved in agriculture.” It’s a phrase that his audience has remembered. He and Armstrong often hear their listeners and viewers repeat those words. The Only Farmers They Know It has been a unique opportunity for these two 30-year partners in broadcasting. As they have shared the news of agriculture with their legions of fans on the rural route, their wisdom and insight have also informed countless urban consumers. Cab drivers, construction workers, airline pilots, physicians and powerful politicians are among those who have been exposed to farming through the broadcasts of Samuelson and Armstrong. It prompted one retired professor to comment in a letter, “Heck, you two are the only farmers I really know.” “It is sobering,” Max commented. “We feel a responsibility,” Orion added. “We have the opportunity to share knowledge about this crucial business that affects us all. And a better informed consumer, whether it’s about genetically enhanced crops, animal welfare, food safety issues, farm income matters or agriculture’s regulatory challenges, will make better choices. We sure do need each other.” And Orion and Max’s viewers watching RFD-TV have made it clear they need these two ambassadors for agriculture. A Pennsylvania viewer wrote: “It was great to again see the fine top-quality programming that you present to the viewing public. It takes only one word to sum it up…CLASS." A fan in Illinois shared his enthusiasm: “…you have a premier show, controlled by a premier crew, with premier broadcasters….I just have to say it’s great to see old friends again.” And a Wyoming rancher offered this greeting: “My long-time friends are back in my home, thanks to RFD-TV. All is well in my world once more.” Grateful For Another Opportunity The two broadcasters feel blessed to have this loyal support but take nothing for granted. “We have come to truly value our many friendships from coast-to-coast,” said Max. “We have been treated like family from the Prairie Provinces of Canada to the citrus groves of Florida and welcomed into the home of the apple grower in Washington and the lobster fisherman in Maine. There is not a day that goes by that we don’t give thanks for these folks and the privilege we have had of talking with them, talking to them and talking about them,” said Max. Then there was Orion’s brush with death in the summer of 2004. He was forever affected by it. Every day now affords another opportunity to “make a difference” in the lives of others. And Orion intends to make the most of those opportunities. “You may very well notice it,” he said. “I think I now tend to squeeze hands a little firmer, linger with our friends a little longer and hug my grandkids a little tighter.” Contact: This Week in Agribusiness 2505 Diehl Road Aurora, IL 60502 630-851-2688 www.agbizweek.com
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