Blog Posts

Ranch Talk with Sam Middleton: Episode Three 27 May 2026

  In the third and final portion of their conversation, Sam Middleton and John Welch talk about the impact of historically high cattle prices and the challenges facing producers moving forward.
Ranch Talk With Sam Middleton: Episode Two 21 May 2026 In this episode, Sam Middleton continues his conversation with longtime friend John Welch. Who is an experienced cattle rancher, ranch executive, and former cattle market analyst, about why he remains optimistic about the future of the cattle industry despite ongoing challenges.
Ranch Talk with Sam Middleton: Episode One 13 May 2026

  Sam Middleton visits with John Welch, a longtime friend, cattle rancher, and former cattle market analyst, and past president of the Spade Ranches, about the unprecedented rise in cattle prices and what may lie ahead for the beef industry.

Owning Your Piece of Texas: Key Laws Texas Landowners NEED To Know 13 May 2026 “For a few precious moments…I’m back in Old Texas, under a high sky, where all things are again possible, and the wind blows free.” – Larry L. King By: Tiffany Dowell Lashmet Professor & Extension Specialist Texas A&M AgriLife Extension The Texas A&M University System
"Swapping Dirt" by Sam Middleton 10 Dec 2024

  Swapping Dirt tells the compelling story of the Middleton family’s pioneering journey to West Texas, their instrumental role in founding Lubbock, and the first ranch sale of 1920.
Feral Hogs
Are Feral Hogs Really As Destructive As They're Made Out To Be? 31 Jan 2024

  If you are a landowner, hunter, outdoorsman, farmer, or rancher in Texas you’ve likely got an opinion on feral hogs. Known by many names, including wild boar, razorbacks, Russian or Eurasian boar, one thing is certain, they’re here and they’re probably here to stay.

Cowboys branding a cow
History of the Cattle Brand in Texas 17 Oct 2023 Although change is inevitable, branding will continue to be the mainstay in identifying livestock ownership by ranchers as it has been through centuries in our past.
To Fish or Not to Fish? 07 Jun 2023 Tips on assessing the current fish in a stock tank or pond and how to restock for long-term fishing enjoyment.
How To Avoid Snakebites Around Your Farm or Ranch Property 10 Apr 2023

by Charlie Middleton
New Mexico Elk
Big Changes In 2023 New Mexico Big Game Hunting-Game Commission Bans Scopes On Muzzleloaders 05 Jan 2023

  Many big game hunters have a lot of money invested in modern muzzleloaders. Hours are spent at the range working out which powders and bullets or sabots work the best for a particular rifle.