Owner, Broker & Appraiser
Sam Middleton’s career in ranch real estate spans more than five decades and three generations of family experience. He joined Chas. S. Middleton and Son in 1971, continuing the business his grandfather, Charles Middleton, established in 1920.
A lifelong Lubbock resident, Sam attended Lubbock public schools and Texas Tech University. His work combines ranch brokerage with rural appraisal, helping clients understand both the market and the land behind each transaction.
Selected Ranch Transactions
Sam’s career includes involvement in the sale of some of the Southwest’s best-known ranches:
- W.T. Waggoner Estate Ranch — Sam worked alongside Bernard Uechtritz in marketing this historic North Texas ranch.
- Four Sixes Ranch — A landmark Texas cattle and horse operation whose sale included the Guthrie, Dixon Creek, and Frisco Creek divisions.
- Boone Pickens’ Mesa Vista Ranch — A Texas Panhandle property known for its wildlife habitat, water improvements, and extensive ranch development.
- Matador Ranch — A historic cattle ranch encompassing approximately 131,000 acres across five Texas counties.
- Swenson Family Flat Top Ranch — Sam worked alongside Charlie Middleton on this historic family ranch transaction.
Brokerage and Appraisal Experience
Sam holds real estate broker licenses in Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Colorado, and Kansas. He also holds the Accredited Rural Appraiser designation through the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers.
Longstanding client relationships are central to his work. Over the years, Sam has handled repeat transactions involving the same ranches and families. He considers that continued trust one of the strongest compliments a client can give.
Recognition and Service
Texas Tech University honored Sam with the Gerald W. Thomas Outstanding Agriculturalist Award for Agribusiness at its November 2021 ceremony.
In 2024, Texas Tech’s Department of Animal and Food Sciences recognized him with its Distinguished Service Award and induction into the department’s Hall of Fame.
His community service has included leadership with the Ranching Heritage Association and involvement with educational, healthcare, and agricultural organizations.
Swapping Dirt
In Swapping Dirt, Sam shares stories from his family’s history and his years working with ranch owners, including Boone Pickens and Anne Marion. The book recounts experiences with properties such as the Matador, Mesa Vista, Four Sixes, and W.T. Waggoner Estate ranches. Proceeds benefit the Ranching Heritage Association at Texas Tech University.
Family and Ranching
Sam and his wife, Patricia, have two sons. Charlie is his partner in Chas. S. Middleton and Son, while Jed operates the family ranching business. Their family’s connection to the land continues through both brokerage and ranching.
In the News: Articles and Interviews
Explore coverage of Sam’s career and notable ranch transactions. Use “Original article” to visit the publisher, or “View saved copy (PDF)” to read a copy from our company archive where available. Publisher websites may require a subscription or sign-in.
Featured Coverage: Bloomberg & Forbes
More Articles and Interviews
Scroll through the collection below. Articles within each group are listed newest to oldest.
Waggoner Ranch Coverage
Candy’s Dirt: Waggoner Ranch
Katy Trail Weekly · December 2, 2016
Candy Evans discusses the Waggoner sale and the work of the brokerage team, including Sam.
Original article · View saved copy (PDF)
The Land Report Honors Waggoner Ranch Sale as Deal of the Century
The Land Report / PR Newswire · July 28, 2016
The award announcement recognizes the Waggoner sale and identifies Sam and Bernard Uechtritz as the sellers’ brokers.
Original article · View saved copy (PDF)
Deal of the Century: Waggoner Ranch
The Land Report · April 15, 2016
An in-depth account of the historic Waggoner transaction, its legacy, and the brokerage team’s work.
Original article · View saved copy (PDF)
W.T. Waggoner Ranch: Kroenke Right Buyer for Waggoner Ranch
Times Record News · February 11, 2016 · Archived PDF
John Ingle reports on the historic sale and the choice of a new owner for the Waggoner Ranch.
View saved copy (PDF)
How NFL Owner Stan Kroenke Almost Didn’t Land Famed $725M Waggoner Ranch
Dallas Business Journal · February 10, 2016
Candace Carlisle reports on the negotiations behind the Waggoner transaction.
Original article · View saved copy (PDF)
Waggoner Ranch Sale Could Impact Community
News Channel 6 / Wichita Falls · September 4, 2014 · Archived PDF
Local reporting on the proposed Waggoner sale and its importance to the surrounding community.
View saved copy (PDF)
Ranch Lesson #3 – When He Spoke, We Listened
Underwood Law Firm · Date unconfirmed · Archived PDF
Alan Rhodes reflects on Sam’s practical guidance and respected role during the Waggoner negotiations. Publication date unconfirmed.
View saved copy (PDF)
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
Historic Ranch on Market
Lone Star Outdoor News · December 10, 2020
Craig Nyhus reports on the Four Sixes offering and the historic ranch’s three divisions.
Original article · View saved copy (PDF)
Historic West Texas 6666’s Ranches Are for Sale
KCBD · December 3, 2020
Brad Burt reports on Sam’s announcement of the Four Sixes offering.
Original article · View saved copy (PDF)
6666 Ranches Up for Sale, Says Lubbock Brokerage Firm
ABC 7 Amarillo / KVII · December 1, 2020
Jacob Helker covers the offering of the Burnett family’s three ranch divisions. Also syndicated by other television outlets and NewsBreak.
Original article · View saved copy (PDF)
Fourth-Generation, Family-Owned Real Estate Company Celebrates 100 Years
Lone Star Outdoor News · September 18, 2020
A centennial tribute to the firm’s family legacy and farm and ranch expertise.
Original article · View saved copy (PDF)
2020 Land Star Awards
Land.com · June 11, 2020
Recognition of Texas land brokers and firms based on reported sales, including Sam and Chas. S. Middleton and Son.
Original article · View saved copy (PDF)
Texas Oil Tycoon’s Prized Panhandle Ranch Shaves $30 Million off Asking Price
CultureMap Austin · January 28, 2020
Sam discusses buyer interest and marketing Boone Pickens’ Mesa Vista Ranch following a price adjustment.
Original article · View saved copy (PDF)
After Price Cut, Former Texas Ranch of T. Boone Pickens Now Lists for $220 Million
Mansion Global · January 22, 2020
Bill Cary interviews Sam about Mesa Vista’s improvements and the offering. Also published by Barron’s.
Original article · View saved copy (PDF)
2019
$220 Million Ranch of Billionaire T. Boone Pickens for Sale by Lubbock Realtor
EverythingLubbock / KLBK · September 15, 2019 · Archived PDF
Samantha Jarpe reports on the Mesa Vista offering through Sam’s firm. Originally published September 15, 2019; updated January 21, 2020.
View saved copy (PDF)
Pickens’ Panhandle Ranch Looking for a “Special Person,” Broker Says
Amarillo Globe-News · September 14, 2019 · Archived PDF
Sarah Self-Walbrick reports on Sam’s search for the next steward of Boone Pickens’ Mesa Vista Ranch.
View saved copy (PDF)
A Beginner’s Guide to Buying a US Ranch
Financial Times · June 7, 2019
Sam contributes perspective on ranch buyers and the practical responsibilities of ownership. Written by A. K. Thompson.
Original article · View saved copy (PDF)
Sven Swenson’s SMS Brand
The Land Report · April 15, 2019
Eric O’Keefe traces the Swenson ranching legacy and the historic holdings associated with the SMS brand.
Original article · View saved copy (PDF)
Historic 41,000-Acre North Texas Ranch Hits the Market for First Time in 165 Years at $49.2 Million
MySA / San Antonio Express-News · February 15, 2019
Coverage of the Swenson Family Flat Top Ranch offering through Chas. S. Middleton and Son.
Original article · View saved copy (PDF)
Historic Texas Ranch Goes on the Market for $49 Million
It’s a Southern Thing · February 15, 2019
Amber Sutton highlights the history and features of the Swenson Flat Top Ranch offering.
Original article · View saved copy (PDF)
165-Year-Old Historic Texas Ranch Goes on Market for $49 Million
The Dallas Morning News · February 14, 2019 · Archived PDF
Steve Brown covers the Swenson Flat Top Ranch listing and its cattle and farming operations.
View saved copy (PDF)
Last Division of Swenson Family Ranches near Stamford on the Market for $49.2M
Abilene Reporter-News · February 14, 2019 · Archived PDF
Regional coverage of the Flat Top Ranch offering and the Swenson family’s long connection to the property.
View saved copy (PDF)
2017
2016
2014
2013
2011
2005
1995
Contact Sam
Discuss your ranch sale, purchase, or appraisal needs with Sam.
817-304-0504 · sam@csmandson.com
