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Wisconsin Farmer and 16 Cattle Perish in Uncommon Manure Gas Incident
A devastating incident resulted in the death of 29-year-old farmer Michael Biadasz and 16 of his cattle on a family farm located in Amherst, Wisconsin. The cause was a lethal accumulation of toxic gases within a manure holding tank.
As reported by WAOW, Biadasz succumbed to gas poisoning—most likely methane or sulfur oxide—while he was preparing to pump the tank. Thirteen cattle perished at the scene, with three additional cattle dying later.
Bob Biadasz, his father, described the situation as a “perfect storm” of atypical weather conditions. Elevated upper air temperatures formed a “dome” that trapped toxic gases around the tank, hindering normal air circulation.
Scott Rifleman, the Portage County coroner, verified the unusual nature of the event, indicating that such fatalities typically occur in confined spaces. Michael, who had safely emptied the tank numerous times in the past, was discovered unresponsive by his coworkers.
In tribute to him, the family arranged a line of tractors and trucks—including Michael’s black pickup—along the road adjacent to their farm. “The family is devastated,” stated Rifleman.
This incident has sparked renewed demands for more stringent regulations and safety protocols concerning manure storage. The National Agriculture Safety Database advocates for adequate ventilation, warning signage, and rigorous construction standards to avert gas exposure.
A comparable incident in Virginia in 2007 resulted in the deaths of five family members due to methane accumulation caused by a pipe blockage. Experts assert that such tragedies can be avoided with appropriate safety measures.
Users on social media expressed their condolences, with one remarking, “As if there isn’t already enough danger in farming, this is heartbreaking.”
As investigations proceed, Michael Biadasz is being commemorated as a committed young farmer whose life was tragically cut short by an unpredictable danger on the land he cherished.