We are republishing this story to raise awareness for the Mike Biadasz Farm Safety and Education Memorial Fund. To learn more, please visit their Facebook page and official website.
In a tragic and unusual accident, a Wisconsin farmer and sixteen of his cattle lost their lives when a “deadly dome of air” formed over a manure holding tank on the family farm.
Michael Biadasz, a 29-year-old farmer from Amherst, Wisconsin, succumbed to toxic fumes, likely methane or sulfur oxide, on his family’s property. The incident also claimed the lives of sixteen cattle, with thirteen dying immediately and three others succumbing shortly afterward.
According to WAOW, the accident occurred as Biadasz was preparing the manure tank to be pumped out. Warm upper air temperatures created a deadly weather phenomenon, trapping harmful gases in a dome-like layer of air that proved fatal for both Biadasz and the livestock.
Michael’s father, Bob Biadasz, who co-owns Biadasz Farms, described the incident as a “perfect storm” of rare and unpredictable meteorological conditions. The family, already grieving their loss, is now raising awareness about the risks that farmers face and advocating for safety measures to prevent similar tragedies.
When farmworkers arrived later that morning to begin pumping the tank, they found Biadasz already deceased. “The family is absolutely devastated,” Portage County Coroner Scott Rifleman shared with WAOW.
Rifleman explained to WSAW that such gas poisoning deaths typically happen in enclosed spaces, making this incident especially unusual. He pointed out that air pressure from the weather system had prevented the gases from dispersing into the atmosphere, leading to their dangerous accumulation.
An investigation is currently underway to determine the exact circumstances of Biadasz’s death. Rifleman noted that Biadasz had successfully managed the same tank numerous times without incident. The tragedy underscores how even routine tasks in farming can carry unforeseen risks.
In tribute to Michael, the Biadasz family lined a stretch of road near the farm with tractors and machinery, a solemn memorial to a life lost too soon. The display included Michael’s black pickup truck, several red trucks, and a blue tractor, standing as symbols of his dedication to farming and the enduring love of his family and community.
The tragedy has sparked an outpouring of sympathy and concern. “As if there isn’t enough danger in the lives of farmers, this family had to suffer this freak accident,” one Facebook commenter wrote. “So depressing.”
The heartbreaking event has also reignited calls for stricter safety regulations regarding manure storage facilities. Advocates argue that more can be done to protect farmers and livestock from the dangers posed by hazardous gases.
The National Agriculture Safety Database (NASD) emphasizes the importance of proper ventilation in areas where manure is stored. It also recommends placing warning signs around such facilities and following stringent maintenance and construction standards for liquid manure storage.
“Farm owners should take precautionary measures to safeguard both workers and animals,” the NASD advises. “This includes ensuring adequate ventilation and adhering to proper safety protocols at all times.”
Sadly, incidents like this are not without precedent. In 2007, a similar tragedy struck a Virginia family when a pipe blockage led to a fatal buildup of methane gas. Five family members lost their lives in the devastating event, which highlighted the dangers of inadequate safety measures in farming operations.
For the Biadasz family, the loss of Michael is a poignant reminder of the challenges farmers face daily. Despite advancements in technology and safety protocols, farming remains a profession fraught with risks, where even a small oversight or rare natural phenomenon can have catastrophic consequences.
Through their grief, the family is determined to honor Michael’s memory by advocating for increased awareness and education about farm safety. The Mike Biadasz Farm Safety and Education Memorial Fund was established with this mission in mind. The fund aims to provide resources, training, and support for farmers, ensuring that future tragedies can be avoided.
Farming is a cornerstone of American life, sustaining communities and providing essential resources. Yet, stories like Michael Biadasz’s serve as sobering reminders of the human cost often hidden behind the scenes. By fostering greater awareness and implementing stricter safety measures, the hope is that no other family will have to endure such a heartbreaking loss.
Michael’s legacy lives on in the work of his family, friends, and advocates who are committed to making farming safer for everyone. The memorial lined with tractors and trucks stands as a powerful tribute, not just to a single farmer but to all who dedicate their lives to the land.
To support the ongoing efforts of the Mike Biadasz Farm Safety and Education Memorial Fund, please consider visiting their Facebook page or website. Together, we can honor Michael’s memory by making farming safer for generations to come.