On the morning of August 15, 2016, 29-year-old Michael Biadasz set out to complete his usual task of agitating the manure pit on his family farm near Amherst, Wisconsin. Known for his passion and enthusiasm for farming, Mike documented the moment on Snapchat, humorously referring to the manure as “liquid gold.” However, what should have been a routine job turned catastrophic.
Due to an unusual weather phenomenon, a temperature inversion blocked deadly gases like hydrogen sulfide from dispersing above the manure pit. This trapped gas created a lethal dome close to the ground. As Mike stirred the pit, the toxic fumes rapidly overwhelmed him, resulting in his immediate death. Tragically, sixteen of the family’s cattle were also found dead, victims of the gas.
Mike’s close friend and farm worker, Steve Burclaw, arrived unaware of the danger, finding Mike motionless beside the pit. The extraordinary weather conditions that day—warm air trapping gases on the surface combined with morning fog—made this rare tragedy possible. Mike’s family, devastated but resilient, has since channeled their grief into advocacy and education.
They established the Mike Biadasz Farm Safety and Education Memorial Fund to raise awareness about the risks of manure gases and promote safety training for farmers. The family’s mission is to prevent future incidents like this by educating others about this invisible but deadly hazard.
Mike’s tragic passing sparked widespread community mourning, with over 1,200 people attending his visitation, a reflection of the impact he had on everyone who knew him. His legacy continues to save lives and inspire better safety practices on farms across the nation.
