Layne’s roots trace back to eastern New Mexico, and he spent his formative years working and hunting on his family’s ranch in south Texas. Initially, he pursued a football scholarship at Southern Methodist University, later transferring to Texas Tech University to continue his athletic journey while earning degrees in finance and real estate.
Post-graduation, Layne returned to Dallas, launching his career in the steakhouse franchise business, covering Texas and surrounding states. However, a shift in his professional trajectory led him into the insurance industry in the Dallas area for several years. In 2006, Layne followed his passion for ranch real estate, making a return to his initial love.
Currently residing in Dallas with his wife, Sonya, Layne’s affinity for the ranching lifestyle stems from his upbringing. In addition to his family’s ranch, he gained valuable experience on large farms in eastern New Mexico during high school and college. Leisure moments will find Layne indulging in his love for golf and hunting, often enjoying these activities with his sons.
Chad grew up in West Texas and has been in the farm and ranch real estate industry since 2000. After earning a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics and a master’s degree in Land Economics and Real Estate while attending Texas A&M University, Chad began his career in farm and ranch property appraisal.
Over the years, he has specialized in valuations of various agricultural property types, emphasizing estate settlement and planning, undivided ownership interests, expert witness testimony, wildfire damages, ranch partitions, and other needs. For over 20 years, he was associated with Chas. S. Middleton and Son in Lubbock, Texas, where his practice diversified into the brokerage of farm and ranch property, with a trade area throughout Texas and New Mexico.
With vast experience and knowledge in all facets of farm and ranch real estate, Chad prides himself on the aggressive representation of buyers and sellers to maximize their return on investment. He has been blessed to have appraised and brokered several well-recognized and high-profile legacy-type ranch properties for well-known individuals and families and several of the Nation’s largest landowners.
Chad holds an Accredited Rural Appraiser Designation through the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers, real estate broker’s licenses, and general appraisal certifications in Texas and New Mexico.
Chad and his wife, Kaci, reside near Lubbock, Texas.
Canyon Creek Ranch is located in northwest Cottle County, approximately 13 miles northwest of Paducah and six miles south of Cee Vee. County Road 176 along the northern boundary provides access, making it easily reachable while maintaining a sense of seclusion.
The ranch boasts a diverse scenic topography characterized by upland pastures cut by meandering draws and seasonal creeks. This varied landscape enhances the ranch's visual appeal and offers numerous outdoor activities, such as hunting, hiking, horseback riding, wildlife observation, and many others.
The brush cover on Canyon Creek Ranch is excellent, providing vital habitat for a variety of wildlife species. The hunting prospects here are particularly promising, with one-and-a-half miles of boundary adjoining the expansive 28,000-acre Matador Wildlife Management Area (MWMA). The ranch is home to whitetail, mule deer, and an array of other game, including dove, quail, and various varmints. This makes it an ideal destination for hunting enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
The ranch is served by rural water, ensuring reliable access to water for both livestock and wildlife. Additionally, there are two wells on the property and seasonal water holes throughout the multiple bottomlands.
Canyon Creek Ranch presents an exceptional recreational ranch opportunity and a rare offering adjoining the MWMA.
Exceptional location and opportunity for multiple uses on 42± acres. Mostly open pastureland with 1,460± feet of frontage on Highway 79. Just 1.4 miles north of the Highway 7 intersection in Marquez.
954± acres of rolling pastureland and scattered woods overlooking the Navasota River valley northeast of Marquez. Long county road frontage, scattered oilfield, two spring-fed creeks, and river frontage.
Small recreational property adjoining the Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge in northwest Grayson County. Giant trees, rolling topography, and a newly constructed small lake. Rural water and a beautiful log home.
Year-round 95± acre recreational ranch within close proximity of Lake Alan Henry. Ranch features include native pasture with three game food plots, water well, and earthen tank. Excellent investment opportunity.
Turn-key production and recreational property along Champion Creek in Mitchell County. Excellent combination of bush pasture, productive irrigation and dry cropland. Excellent water features and well-improved for full-time living or weekend getaways.
