On a typical summer morning in 2016, Michael Biadasz began his day like any other on his family’s farm in Amherst, Wisconsin. However, this ordinary day would turn into an unimaginable tragedy. Mike, a passionate and dedicated young farmer, lost his life, along with 16 of his cows, to a hidden danger that few had ever heard of.
The danger that lurked in the air was invisible and silent. As Mike prepared the manure pit for hauling, deadly fumes released from the pit became trapped by an unusual weather pattern. A layer of warm air high in the sky, combined with morning fog, prevented the gases from dispersing, creating a toxic buildup that quickly overcame Mike.
The farm workers who arrived at 6:30 a.m. to haul away the manure were met with a devastating scene. Mike lay motionless at the edge of the pit, and the cattle nearby had also succumbed to the fumes.
According to the Portage County Coroner, the accident was the result of an extremely rare weather phenomenon. The atmospheric pressure had prevented the gases from dissipating, creating a deadly situation in an open space.
Mike’s family was shocked and devastated by the news. His father, Bob Biadasz, remembered Mike as a dedicated and skilled farmer with an unshakeable work ethic. Mike was also a warm and outgoing person who could light up any room and connect with people of all ages.
The community came together to mourn Mike’s loss, with over 1,200 people attending his visitation. The outpouring of grief was a testament to the kind of person Mike was and the impact he had on those around him.
In the wake of their grief, Mike’s family and friends turned their sorrow into action. They established the Mike Biadasz Farm Safety and Education Memorial Fund, a mission dedicated to preventing similar tragedies and educating farmers about the hidden dangers of their everyday work.
The fund works to raise awareness about the dangers of manure gas exposure and provides farmers with the knowledge and tools to stay safe. Their efforts include educational events, safety training, and advocacy for stronger regulations surrounding manure storage and ventilation.
Mike’s legacy continues to inspire change in farm safety practices across the country. Through awareness, education, and advocacy, his family is making sure that no other farmer or family has to suffer the same loss.
