Mike Biadasz’s life was tragically cut short on August 15, 2016, due to invisible but deadly gases leaking from a manure pit at his Amherst, Wisconsin farm. As a fourth-generation farmer, Mike was well-acquainted with the daily risks of his profession. That morning, he set about agitating the manure—a common task to prepare the waste for hauling—but the combination of a temperature inversion and fog trapped toxic hydrogen sulfide gas low to the ground.
As Mike stirred the contents, he was overcome by the unseen fumes and collapsed. Nearby, sixteen cattle also perished from the effect of the gas. Friend and coworker Steve Burclaw found Mike unmoving near the pit. The family, devastated by the loss, pledged to improve farm safety to prevent such tragedies in the future.
They created the Mike Biadasz Farm Safety and Education Memorial Fund, aimed at raising awareness within the farming community about the dangers of manure gas exposure. The fund promotes research and distributes gas detectors and safety training.
Mike is remembered fondly for his warm personality, tireless work ethic, and deep community ties. His passing served as a somber wake-up call to farmers nationwide about a hidden but serious risk on many farms.
