Loyd Ratts, a 99-year-old farmer, spoke to Beccy Tanner's History of Kansas class last week at the WSU West Campus. He talked about farming methods, Dust Bowl politics and forgotten skills. WuShock also made a special appearance, presenting Ratts with a WSU sweatshirt as the class and family members looked on. Ratts still actively farms in Stafford County. He has memories of farming in western Kansas during the Great Depression, of meeting John Brinkley, the infamous goat gland doctor and radio broadcaster, and offered insight on how to court a woman. Ratts was married twice. Three years ago, Ratts received a patent for an invention he made on grain bin doors. Ratts never went to college. He was self-taught.
