On an ordinary summer morning in 2016, Michael Biadasz, a passionate young farmer, set out to complete a routine task on his family’s farm in Amherst, Wisconsin. Little did he know, this seemingly normal day would become one of unimaginable tragedy.

Michael, at 29 years old, had completed this task many times before—preparing the manure pit for hauling. That morning, he even shared a photo on Snapchat, referring to the manure as “liquid gold” as he began mixing it with his farm equipment. It was a task he had done countless times, confident in his safety and routine. But on this day, an invisible danger was lurking, one that few could ever have anticipated.

As Michael stirred the manure, a rare and deadly phenomenon was unfolding. A toxic combination of gases—likely methane or hydrogen sulfide—was slowly building up in the manure pit. The gases had been trapped by an unusual weather pattern: a layer of warm air high in the sky combined with early morning fog that held the gases in place, preventing them from dispersing. This resulted in a highly dangerous situation. By 6:30 a.m., when fellow workers arrived to assist with the task, they found Michael’s lifeless body by the edge of the pit, already overcome by the toxic fumes. Tragically, 16 cattle standing nearby also perished.

Steve Burclaw, who had worked with Michael for about three years, was among the first to arrive. He recalled how everything seemed normal at first glance. “There was really no sign of anything being different or wrong,” he said. They had seen foggy mornings before, and the farm appeared to be just as it always had. But the sight of Michael lying motionless was an unmistakable sign that something had gone terribly wrong. His death came swiftly and silently, with no indication of the danger lurking in the air.

Portage County Coroner Scott Rifleman later confirmed that the incident was caused by the rare weather phenomenon. The warm air trapped lethal gas concentrations in the vicinity, preventing the usual dispersal of these dangerous fumes. This unique atmospheric pressure created an unprecedented danger in what should have been a routine task.

The loss of Michael was devastating for his family. His father, Bob Biadasz, was sitting in the house when the phone call came. The news that his son was gone was unthinkable. Michael wasn’t just a skilled farmer; he was the heart and soul of the family business and a vibrant presence in the community. His ability to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds made him a beloved figure, and his sudden death left a hole in the hearts of his family and everyone who knew him. More than 1,200 people attended his visitation—more than the population of Amherst itself—demonstrating the impact he had on his community.

In the face of such overwhelming grief, Michael’s family and friends chose to honor his memory by taking action. They established the Mike Biadasz Farm Safety and Education Memorial Fund, which seeks to prevent similar tragedies from happening in the future. The fund works to raise awareness about the dangers of manure gas exposure, providing essential education to farmers on how to protect themselves from this invisible hazard.

Through educational events, safety training, and advocacy for stronger regulations around manure storage and ventilation, the fund aims to ensure that no other family has to endure the same heartbreak. The mission is simple: farmers work tirelessly to feed the world, and they deserve the best resources and information to stay safe on the job.

The community’s support for the Biadasz family was evident when, after Michael’s passing, a line of tractors and farm vehicles formed along the road leading to Biadasz Farms. The vehicles, including Michael’s black pickup truck, served as a silent but powerful tribute to his life and legacy.

The tragic event sparked an outpouring of grief and concern, as many farmers, knowing how dangerous the profession can be, sympathized with the Biadasz family. One Facebook user captured the sentiment perfectly, commenting, “As if there isn’t already enough danger in the lives of farmers, this family had to suffer this freak accident. So sad.” But through their tragedy, the Biadasz family’s commitment to farm safety continues to inspire change across the farming community, ensuring that no other farmer—or family—will have to face the same loss. Through awareness, education, and advocacy, their legacy lives on, improving farm safety for generations to come.

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