Before it was home to thousands of cattle and the heart of a thriving beef operation, the land beneath Pratt Feeders played a vital role in world history. Nestled just outside Pratt, Kansas, this now-quiet countryside once echoed with the thunder of B-29 Superfortress bombers preparing for combat. The story of Pratt Feeders begins not with cattle—but with a war.
In 1942, the U.S. Army established the Pratt Army Air Field (PAAF) to support the Allied effort in World War II. Located approximately four miles north-northwest of Pratt, the base was one of the largest of its kind. It trained more than 23,000 flight and ground crew members, including some of the most well-known names in aviation history.
Among them were Col. Paul Tibbets, who would go on to pilot the Enola Gay, and Maj. Charles Sweeney, who flew the Bockscar. Both aircraft played critical roles in ending the war. The airfield was the first in the country to receive the prototype YB-29 bomber, becoming a cornerstone in the "Battle of Kansas"—an effort to rapidly modify and deploy these aircraft for combat missions in the Pacific.
The PAAF wasn’t just a training ground. It was a hub of innovation, discipline, and national pride. For a few intense years, the skies over Pratt were filled with the future of warfare—and the land beneath was shaped by it.
After the war ended in 1945, the airfield was decommissioned the following year. The once-busy runways were returned to the community, eventually becoming part of the Pratt Regional Airport and surrounding farmland.
But the land wasn’t done serving. Over time, it was repurposed to support something new: agriculture. In a symbolic transformation from war to peace, a portion of the original airfield—specifically the northeast/southwest runway—was converted into cattle pens.
In 1980, a group of local businessmen recognized the potential of the site and established Pratt Feeders, laying the foundation for what would become one of Kansas’ most respected feedyards.
Under the leadership of industry veteran Jerry Bohn, Pratt Feeders expanded in scope and influence. What began as one yard evolved into a network of feedyards, including Buffalo Feeders, Ford County Feeders, and Ashland Feeders—together peaking at a combined capacity of nearly 139,500 head.
But growth was never just about numbers. Pratt Feeders became an early adopter of data-driven cattle management, using technology to improve efficiency, track performance, and ensure the health and wellbeing of every animal. This dedication to innovation and stewardship earned the company a place among the leaders in the beef industry.
By the early 2000s, Pratt Feeders became a proud Certified Angus Beef® partner, a distinction reserved for those committed to producing high-quality, flavorful beef. The recognition culminated in a prestigious CAB award, cementing the yard’s reputation on a national level.
Beyond the awards and capacity, what truly sets Pratt Feeders apart is its people. Generations of ranchers, cattle producers, and employees have passed through its gates—many of whom grew up in the industry themselves.
At its heart, Pratt Feeders is about relationships: with customers, with coworkers, and with cattle. The yard’s legacy is one of integrity, respect, and relentless pursuit of better.
Honoring the Past: Much of the history in this story wouldn’t have been possible without the dedicated work of the B-29 Museum - Pratt Army Air Field located at the Pratt Regional Airport. The museum honors the service of the thousands of men and women who trained here during WWII and preserves the legacy of the B-29 Superfortress and its role in shaping history. With artifacts, photographs, restored equipment, and firsthand stories, it offers a powerful look into the past—and the community's role in a global effort. We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the museum team for their help in sharing the history of the airfield and providing valuable insight as we pieced together this legacy. If you're ever near Pratt, we encourage you to stop by the museum, walk the grounds, and experience a chapter of American history up close. You won’t be disappointed. Learn more here: B29 Musuem
Today, you can still spot remnants of the original airfield across the property—crumbling concrete, the layout of the old runways, echoes of a past that once filled the skies. These reminders ground us in a history that’s larger than any one person, any one herd, or any one moment.
From a wartime launchpad to a leader in modern beef production, this land has always played a role in shaping the future. And while the roar of B-29s has faded, the spirit of service, innovation, and resilience still lives on in every pen, every truck, and every handshake.
Here’s to the legacy of excellence—and to the bright future ahead.
Special thanks to Skye Schumaker at Pratt Feeders for her help with the research and writing of this post.
