- Broker | Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Colorado, Kansas
- Appraiser, ARA | Texas, New Mexico, Colorado
- 817-304-0504
- sam@csmandson.com
- Lubbock, TX
About Me
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.
Sam Middleton in The Land Report
Featured Profile · The Land Report
Chas. S. Middleton and Son Celebrates a Century
By Eric O’Keefe · September 1, 2023
Explore Sam’s career, the Middleton family’s ranch brokerage tradition, and the relationships behind decades of notable ranch transactions.
Read the Feature ↗Four Sixes Ranch
2021 Deal of the Year: Taylor Sheridan Takes the Reins at the Four Sixes
June 15, 2022
Read the Article ↗Brewster Ranch
Texas General Land Office Buys 353,785-Acre Brewster Ranch
October 29, 2024
Read the Article ↗Browse all company news coverage, newest first ↗
Featured Coverage: Bloomberg & Forbes
June 2, 2021
September 15, 2020
February 9, 2016
More Articles and Interviews
Scroll through the collection below. Articles within each group are listed newest to oldest.
Waggoner Ranch Coverage
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Candy’s Dirt: Waggoner Ranch
Katy Trail Weekly · December 2, 2016Candy Evans discusses the Waggoner sale and the work of the brokerage team, including Sam.
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The Land Report Honors Waggoner Ranch Sale as Deal of the Century
The Land Report / PR Newswire · July 28, 2016The award announcement recognizes the Waggoner sale and identifies Sam and Bernard Uechtritz as the sellers’ brokers.
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Deal of the Century: Waggoner Ranch
The Land Report · April 15, 2016An in-depth account of the historic Waggoner transaction, its legacy, and the brokerage team’s work.
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W.T. Waggoner Ranch: Kroenke Right Buyer for Waggoner Ranch
Times Record News · February 11, 2016 · Archived PDFJohn Ingle reports on the historic sale and the choice of a new owner for the Waggoner Ranch.
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How NFL Owner Stan Kroenke Almost Didn’t Land Famed $725M Waggoner Ranch
Dallas Business Journal · February 10, 2016Candace Carlisle reports on the negotiations behind the Waggoner transaction.
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Waggoner Ranch Sale Could Impact Community
News Channel 6 / Wichita Falls · September 4, 2014 · Archived PDFLocal reporting on the proposed Waggoner sale and its importance to the surrounding community.
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Ranch Lesson #3 – When He Spoke, We Listened
Underwood Law Firm · Date unconfirmed · Archived PDFAlan Rhodes reflects on Sam’s practical guidance and respected role during the Waggoner negotiations. Publication date unconfirmed.
2024
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Texas General Land Office Buys 353,785-Acre Brewster Ranch
The Land Report · October 29, 2024Coverage of the landmark Big Bend transaction. Sam and Eric DeJernett represented the Texas General Land Office.
2023
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Chas. S. Middleton and Son Celebrates a Century
The Land Report · September 1, 2023A profile of Sam, the family brokerage, and the relationships behind decades of ranch transactions. Originally published in the Texas 2021 edition.
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Sam Middleton Tops the List for Mega Ranch Sales, Remains Humble
Livestock Weekly · May 18, 2023 · Archived PDFColleen Schreiber profiles Sam’s career, family connections, and a year that included the Four Sixes, Matador, and Mesa Vista transactions.
2022
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2021 Deal of the Year: Taylor Sheridan Takes the Reins at the Four Sixes
The Land Report · June 15, 2022A feature on the Four Sixes transaction, recognized as the magazine’s Deal of the Year.
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Four Sixes Ranch: A New Chapter
Land.com / Texas LAND magazine · June 3, 2022Sam discusses the ranch’s heritage and the sale to a group led by Taylor Sheridan.
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On the Front Lines in Texas’ Ranch Wars
The Real Deal · June 3, 2022Sam shares his experience of the changing ranch market and the surge in buyer interest during the pandemic.
2021
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Where the Buffalo Roam
The Land Report · January 13, 2021Katy Richardson profiles T Lazy S Ranch, artist T. D. Kelsey, and the property’s wildlife and recreational character.
2020
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Historic Ranch on Market
Lone Star Outdoor News · December 10, 2020Craig Nyhus reports on the Four Sixes offering and the historic ranch’s three divisions.
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Historic West Texas 6666’s Ranches Are for Sale
KCBD · December 3, 2020Brad Burt reports on Sam’s announcement of the Four Sixes offering.
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6666 Ranches Up for Sale, Says Lubbock Brokerage Firm
ABC 7 Amarillo / KVII · December 1, 2020Jacob Helker covers the offering of the Burnett family’s three ranch divisions. Also syndicated by other television outlets and NewsBreak.
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Fourth-Generation, Family-Owned Real Estate Company Celebrates 100 Years
Lone Star Outdoor News · September 18, 2020A centennial tribute to the firm’s family legacy and farm and ranch expertise.
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2020 Land Star Awards
Land.com · June 11, 2020Recognition of Texas land brokers and firms based on reported sales, including Sam and Chas. S. Middleton and Son.
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Texas Oil Tycoon’s Prized Panhandle Ranch Shaves $30 Million off Asking Price
CultureMap Austin · January 28, 2020Sam discusses buyer interest and marketing Boone Pickens’ Mesa Vista Ranch following a price adjustment.
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After Price Cut, Former Texas Ranch of T. Boone Pickens Now Lists for $220 Million
Mansion Global · January 22, 2020Bill Cary interviews Sam about Mesa Vista’s improvements and the offering. Also published by Barron’s.
2019
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$220 Million Ranch of Billionaire T. Boone Pickens for Sale by Lubbock Realtor
EverythingLubbock / KLBK · September 15, 2019 · Archived PDFSamantha Jarpe reports on the Mesa Vista offering through Sam’s firm. Originally published September 15, 2019; updated January 21, 2020.
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Pickens’ Panhandle Ranch Looking for a “Special Person,” Broker Says
Amarillo Globe-News · September 14, 2019 · Archived PDFSarah Self-Walbrick reports on Sam’s search for the next steward of Boone Pickens’ Mesa Vista Ranch.
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A Beginner’s Guide to Buying a US Ranch
Financial Times · June 7, 2019Sam contributes perspective on ranch buyers and the practical responsibilities of ownership. Written by A. K. Thompson.
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Sven Swenson’s SMS Brand
The Land Report · April 15, 2019Eric O’Keefe traces the Swenson ranching legacy and the historic holdings associated with the SMS brand.
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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, 2019Coverage of the Swenson Family Flat Top Ranch offering through Chas. S. Middleton and Son.
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Historic Texas Ranch Goes on the Market for $49 Million
It’s a Southern Thing · February 15, 2019Amber Sutton highlights the history and features of the Swenson Flat Top Ranch offering.
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165-Year-Old Historic Texas Ranch Goes on Market for $49 Million
The Dallas Morning News · February 14, 2019 · Archived PDFSteve Brown covers the Swenson Flat Top Ranch listing and its cattle and farming operations.
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Last Division of Swenson Family Ranches near Stamford on the Market for $49.2M
Abilene Reporter-News · February 14, 2019 · Archived PDFRegional coverage of the Flat Top Ranch offering and the Swenson family’s long connection to the property.
2017
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T. Boone Pickens Puts a $250 Million “For Sale” Sign on His Beloved 65,000-Acre Texas Ranch
The Dallas Morning News · November 29, 2017 · Archived PDFCoverage of the Mesa Vista listing and Pickens’ hope for a future owner who would care for the land.
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T. Boone Pickens Lists His Massive Texas Ranch for $250 Million
Los Angeles Times · November 29, 2017Reporting on Mesa Vista’s listing.
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This Texas Oil Tycoon’s Huge Ranch Is One of the World’s Most Expensive Properties
Wide Open Country · October 15, 2017 · Archived PDFCoverage of the Mesa Vista offering. Company archive dated October 15, 2017; original publication date unconfirmed.
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Historic 32,000-Acre Ford Ranch Sold for First Time in over a Century
Land.com · June 22, 2017Recognition of Sam’s Ford Ranch sale and a look at the property’s cattle operation and hunting history.
2016
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Report: Leaving CBS Anchor Chair, Scott Pelley Buys Texas Ranch
Beaumont Enterprise / Houston Chronicle · December 9, 2016Carol Christian interviews Sam about the Texas ranch market amid reporting on Scott Pelley.
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Sam Middleton: A Legacy of the Land
Land.com · July 1, 2016A profile of Sam’s ranch brokerage and appraisal career following the Waggoner sale.
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Property: US Billionaire Buys Texas Mega-Ranch Listed for $725M
Beef Central · February 10, 2016International coverage of the Waggoner agreement and the ranch’s scale and operations.
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How the West Was Won
Texas Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M University · 2016An account of Sam and Bernard Uechtritz’s work marketing and showing the Waggoner Ranch.
2014
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Land Man
American Cowboy · November 17, 2014 · Archived PDFBob Welch profiles Sam and the family brokerage’s role in marketing notable Texas ranches. Originally published November 17, 2014; updated February 13, 2017.
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Largest One-of-a-Kind Ranch in North America Gains Strong International Interest while Yet to “Officially” Hit Marketplace
PRWeb · October 7, 2014A press release on early international interest in the Waggoner offering and its listing team.
2013
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All in the Family: Interview with Sam Middleton
Lands of Texas magazine / Land.com · February 27, 2013Sam discusses the contributions of successive generations to the family brokerage. Read the interview on our website.
2011
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For Sale: Canadian River Ranch
The Land Report · July 11, 2011A feature on the Canadian River Ranch offering and its connection to the historic XIT Ranch.
2005
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Burnishing an Image at the USA Corral
Los Angeles Times · August 29, 2005Sam discusses recreational ranch ownership and the changing ranch market.
1995
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Middleton & Son Corrals Tradition in Ranching
Lubbock Avalanche-Journal · July 2, 1995Chris Van Wagenen profiles the Middleton family and the transition from cattle trading to ranch sales and appraisals. See the preserved clipping on our history page.
Contact Sam
Discuss your ranch sale, purchase, or appraisal needs with Sam.