Sam Middleton
Profile picture for user Sam Middleton
  • 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. Click any title to read the online article; an archived PDF is provided when the original page could not be located.

Featured Coverage: Bloomberg & Forbes

BloombergBiden Targets a Tax Break That Helped Trump Build His Fortune

June 2, 2021

ForbesBillionaire Cowboys Are Buying and Selling the Largest Ranches in America

September 15, 2020

BloombergNFL Owner Buys Texas Mega-Ranch Listed for $725 Million

February 9, 2016

ForbesStan Kroenke Buys Massive Texas Ranch Listed for $725 Million, Likely Most Expensive Ranch Sale Ever

February 9, 2016

BloombergFor $725 Million, You Can Buy a Texas Ranch That’s the Size of a Small Nation

July 21, 2015

More Articles and Interviews

Scroll through the collection below. Articles within each group are listed newest to oldest.

Waggoner Ranch Coverage

2024

2023

2022

2021

  • Where the Buffalo Roam
    The Land Report · January 13, 2021

    Katy Richardson profiles T Lazy S Ranch, artist T. D. Kelsey, and the property’s wildlife and recreational character.

2020

2019

2017

2016

2014

2013

2011

  • For Sale: Canadian River Ranch
    The Land Report · July 11, 2011

    A feature on the Canadian River Ranch offering and its connection to the historic XIT Ranch.

2005

1995

  • Middleton & Son Corrals Tradition in Ranching
    Lubbock Avalanche-Journal · July 2, 1995

    Chris 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.

817-304-0504 · sam@csmandson.com

My Testimonials

Clark Ranch

12/30/2024

Mr. Middleton, As we approach the end of the year, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to you. It has truly been a pleasure working with you on the sale of my parents' ranch.

I first reached out in December of 2021, and throughout the entire process, your professionalism and expertise have been invaluable. We were able to list the property in 2024 and successfully close the sale this month (Dec. 2024) - a milestone I could not have imagined without your help. 

My parents, Sammy and Ann Clark would have been glad to know you were the listing agent for their ranch. Sammie Stephens, Fort Collins, Colorado

 

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