America’s First Industry: The Past, Present, and Future of Agriculture 17 Mar 2025, 10:48 pm

History of American Farming and Agriculture: Past, Present, and Future

As early as 11,000 BCE, humans cultivated crops and tended animals for sustenance. The history of American farming is a testament to the dedication of farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural professionals who have shaped the land and industry. The birth of agriculture granted humans the freedom to build, grow, and create. Today, as every day, we tip our baseball or cowboy hat to those who have continued to provide us with that freedom. Live Water seeks to preserve that freedom and connect agricultural land with the people who value it.

Iconic Sales Propel Latham Jenkins to Live Water Properties’ 2024 Top Producing Broker Honor 22 Jan 2025, 9:40 pm

Latham Jenkins

JACKSON HOLE, WYO – For 2024 and for the third time in his eight-year real estate career, Jackson Hole real estate broker Latham Jenkins has been named Live Water Properties’ Top Producing Broker, achieving this prestigious honor with an outstanding $88M in sales volume. Jenkins continues to lead Live Water’s luxury residential division, Live Water Jackson Hole, solidifying his reputation as one of the top brokers in not only Jackson Hole but the nation. Latham’s success in 2024 was highlighted by the sale of Jackson Hole’s iconic Lost Creek Ranch, which had a last asking price of $39.5M, and Granite Ranch, with a last asking price of $8.995M. Both properties received national attention, ranking among the most-viewed articles on Mansion Global this year. Live Water Properties was the only firm with two properties featured on this prestigious list, and Jenkins was the sole individual broker to achieve this recognition twice.

“I do not know of another Broker in the business who works harder for his clients than Latham,” says Live Water Properties CEO/Founding Partner Alex Maher. “The countless hours he spends on these legacy projects shines through our marketing efforts and produces the most desirable results year after year.”

In addition to his record-breaking sales, Jenkins’ influence extends into the coming year. He has already secured two marquee listings for 2025: Antlers Ranch, listed at $85M, and Red Hills Ranch, listed at $65M. These legacy properties showcase his ability to represent some of the most exclusive real estate in the market.

“Latham finds a way to uncover the story of a property and accurately tell it to the audience like no other broker in the field,” says Live Water Properties COO/Partner John Merritt. “It is awesome to see his continued success, and we are thankful to have him on Live Water’s team.”

This marks the third time Jenkins has been named Live Water Properties’ Top Producer, previously earning the title in 2021 and 2022. In 2024, he was also recognized as a finalist for the prestigious Inman Gold Club Award, further cementing his status as an industry leader.

“Latham Jenkins has an unflinching ability to read situations properly for a buyer. He pays attention to the smallest details for a seller,” says Live Water Properties CFO/Founding Partner Macye Maher. “Good luck in 2025, Latham—we cannot wait for another successful year collaborating with you.”

Key Trends Shaping the Ranch Market: 2024 Insights & 2025 Forecasts 15 Jan 2025, 4:00 pm

COO/Partner/Responsible Broker John Merritt

Ranch real estate market trends have shifted in 2024, offering valuable insights into pricing, inventory, and buyer behavior that will shape the industry through 2025.

“From my perspective, in 2024, our industry moved past the 2021-2023 Covid pandemic market,” said John Merritt, COO/Partner/Responsible Broker of Live Water Properties based in Jackson Hole. “Overall, the market was more balanced and followed historic trends more closely than it had since the pandemic.”

“Historically, during a presidential election year, the rural real estate market is a bit off because people take a ‘wait-and-see’ attitude,” said Merritt. “For us, 2024 defied history, and we didn’t experience the typical election-year market lull until October. It was a busy year for our Brokers and Agents.”

Some of the notable deals in 2024 included the 50-acre Lost Creek Ranch in Wyoming (last asking price of $39.5 million), the 2,145-acre Twin Buttes Farm in Idaho (last asking price of $15 million), and the 2,300-acre Lightwood Plantation in Georgia (last asking price of $15 million) in Georgia.

The Value of Wildlife 17 Dec 2024, 4:28 pm

Wildlife is not only valued, but valuable.

“In the early 1900s, Americans began to value our wildlife resources as President Theodore Roosevelt led the charge that brought the nation’s big game and game bird species back from the brink of extinction,” said Matt MacMillan, an Associate Broker for Live Water Properties based in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. “Over time that appreciation has grown, which means that today wildlife has become a quantifiable asset that adds value to a property as well as a treasured natural resource.”

MacMillan is a lifelong student of wildlife. He grew up in the mountains of New Hampshire hunting, flyfishing and skiing. After graduating from University of New Hampshire with a degree in wildlife management/environmental conservation, he moved to the Mountain West to pursue his passions and landed in Jackson Hole, where he has now lived 27 years.

Despite a lifetime of studying and appreciating wildlife, the results of a survey of visitors to Jackson Hole surprised him. In the heart of national parks, world-class downhill skiing and luxury amenities, visitors identified wildlife viewing as the number one reason they came to the area.

“Those findings underscored how essential wildlife is to the American experience—and that directly translates into recreational ranch real estate,” MacMillan said.

Recreational, sporting, and wildlife ranches, like beach houses or luxury ski residences are not necessities, but emotion-based purchases driven by the human need for connection. These properties generally create the opportunity to connect people and the outdoors. For those seeking a recreational wildlife ranch, the presence of wildlife is a driving factor.

“Whether people want to see elk in their valley, catch fish in their front yard stream or hike through their own forestland with binoculars and cameras in tow to see what they can see, it fills an emotional need for people,” MacMillan said. “The presence of wildlife creates an emotional attachment to the land and the greater outdoors, which doesn’t happen with any other investment.”

Exploring Georgia Farms for Sale: A Guide to Finding Your Dream Property 30 Nov 2024, 6:10 pm

Georgia’s rich agricultural heritage and diverse landscapes make it an ideal destination for those looking to own a farm. Whether you dream of cultivating crops, raising livestock, or simply enjoying the tranquility of rural living, Georgia offers a variety of farms to suit your needs. This guide to finding your dream property through Live Water Properties’ Georgia farms for sale will explore the types of farms available, delve into the state’s farming legacy, and outline key factors to consider when purchasing a property.

Georgia’s Agricultural Heritage

Georgia is a state deeply rooted in agriculture, with farming playing a significant role in its economy and culture. Known for its peaches, peanuts, and pecans, Georgia also boasts thriving livestock, poultry, and equestrian industries. Owning a farm here isn’t just about the land—it’s about being part of a community that values sustainability, tradition, and hard work.

Waterfowl and Upland Bird Hunting Ranches 15 Oct 2024, 5:53 pm

Whether you’re shouldering your grandfather’s Browning A5 on a flushed covey with your loyal pointing dog or cracking jokes with your best friends in the duck blind, memories will be made this time of year on one of Livewater Properties’ bird hunting ranches for sale.

Top Big Game Hunting Ranches of 2024 27 Aug 2024, 10:33 pm

Embark on this year’s Big Game Hunting adventure with insights from our seasoned Brokers on the consistent yet ever-changing interplay between land, wildlife, and the distinctive qualities of each hunting ranch. With cooler temperatures and shorter days approaching, the excitement of trekking through dark timber in pursuit of elk and mule deer or patiently waiting 25 feet in the air on your favorite tree for that white-tailed buck takes hold of our imagination. Drawing from years of research and personal experience, our Brokers share their passion and expertise to guide you in finding your ideal hunting ranch for 2024. Dive in and discover our Top Big Game Hunting Ranches of this year.

Georgia Real Estate: A Guide to Hunting, Fishing, and Land Investment 15 Aug 2024, 10:26 pm

By: Duncan Williams

Diverse landscapes and rich natural resources make Georgia real estate a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts and real estate investors alike. From the lush forests of the Appalachian foothills to the expansive marshlands along the coast, Georgia offers a unique blend of recreational opportunities and investment potential. The state is renowned for its abundant wildlife, offering exceptional hunting and fishing experiences.

With vast expanses of privately owned timberland and numerous thriving farms, Georgia stands out as a dynamic region for land investments. As more people seek the tranquility of rural living coupled with easy access to urban amenities, Georgia’s real estate market is poised for growth. Whether you’re drawn by the thrill of pursuing wild game, the serenity of fishing in pristine waters, or the promise of a sound investment, Georgia provides a wealth of opportunities waiting to be explored.

Discover Elite Luxury Real Estate Strategies from Latham Jenkins at Inman Luxury Connect 2024 24 Jul 2024, 8:05 pm

Live Water Properties Broker Latham Jenkins honored as a finalist for the Inman Golden I Club Award, which celebrates exceptional achievement in luxury real estate marketing.

At Live Water Properties, we are proud to announce that Jackson Hole luxury real estate broker Latham Jenkins will be a featured speaker at the prestigious Inman Luxury Connect 2024 event, where he has also earned the distinction of being a finalist for the Inman Golden I Club award.

Jenkins will present on “Going the Extra Mile: Curating an Out-of-the-Box Luxury Experience and Why It Pays Off” on Monday, July 29, from 11:25 AM to 11:45 AM PDT. In this 20-minute session, he and other top agents from around the country will explore the art of creating exceptional, bespoke experiences for luxury clients. Drawing from his extensive experience, Jenkins will showcase his curated listing presentation experiences on snowmobiles, snowshoes, river rafting, horseback riding, and using safari-style tents to showcase his properties to clients. Jenkins enables buyers to experience firsthand how a property lives.

“Luxury real estate is about more than just transactions; it’s about creating unforgettable moments,” Jenkins said. “I’m excited to share strategies on how to go above and beyond for clients and the tangible benefits that come from doing so.”

Later on Monday, the 29th, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, Jenkins will participate in another compelling 20-minute conversational session titled “Distilling Luxury Real Estate Strategies.” This session, featuring a whiskey tasting provided by expert sommeliers at the ARIA, will focus on how to curate unforgettable client experiences that enhance personal branding in the luxury real estate market.

“You won’t want to miss hearing Latham speak at the Inman Luxury Connect. According to the Numbers: in the last five months, Latham Jenkins produced nearly $50 million in sales for his buyers and sellers,” said Macye Maher, CFO/Founding Partner at Live Water Properties. “According to his Personality: I personally know his devotion to positive listening, immense research, and his commitment to sharing the Western culture of Wyoming.”

In addition to his speaking engagement, Jenkins has been recognized as a finalist for Best Sales and Marketing Campaign for Home/Property for his successful sale of the Jackson Hole Ranch. Over the past three years, Jenkins has consistently ranked as the top-selling individual broker in Wyoming, securing the number 1 and 2 spots. This consistent track record highlights his dedication and expertise in the luxury real estate market.

The Inman Golden I Club award represents the pinnacle of achievement in the luxury real estate industry, honoring professionals who not only achieve record-breaking sales but also push the boundaries of what’s possible in the field. “I’m truly humbled to be a finalist for the Inman Golden I Club Award,” Jenkins added. “This recognition is a testament to the dedication and passion of my work in providing exceptional service to my clients.”

The winners of the 2024 Golden I Club awards will be announced at Inman Luxury Connect 2024.

Georgia’s Iconic Lightwood Plantation Sells in Landmark Deal 9 Jul 2024, 8:59 pm

An award-winning tree farm — one of Georgia’s largest — assembled and nurtured by a Colorado family nationally known for conserving land and racing thoroughbred horses, has been sold after being listed for $15 million. With an immediate flurry of interest from multiple capable parties, the rapid sale in under 30 days underscores the exceptional value and allure of the property, meticulously developed over 22 years under the stewardship of its owner, John W. Geary, III. The transaction was expertly handled by Live Water Properties’ Southern Team, which included brokers Alex Maher, Jon Callaghan, and Davis Willis.