On August 15, 2016, 29-year-old farmer Mike Biadasz began a routine task on his family’s farm near Amherst, Wisconsin—stirring a manure pit before hauling. He even shared a lighthearted Snapchat about the job, calling it “liquid gold.”
But that morning, rare weather conditions trapped toxic gases—likely methane or hydrogen sulfide—under a layer of warm air and fog. The fumes formed a deadly dome over the open pit, overcoming Mike within minutes. By the time coworkers arrived, he had died. Sixteen nearby cattle also succumbed to the gas.
The shocking accident, described by the county coroner as an extremely rare atmospheric phenomenon, devastated Mike’s family and the tight-knit farming community. More than 1,200 people attended his visitation—more than the town’s population—showing how deeply he was loved.
In response, his family created the Mike Biadasz Farm Safety and Education Memorial Fund to raise awareness about manure gas dangers and promote stronger safety practices. Through education and advocacy, they aim to prevent similar tragedies and protect farmers from hidden risks on the job.
Mike’s story remains a powerful reminder of the unseen dangers in agriculture—and the importance of safety, awareness, and honoring those lost by working to save others.