Wisconsin Farmer and 16 Cattle Die in Rare Manure Gas Accident

A tragic accident claimed the life of 29-year-old farmer Michael Biadasz and 16 of his cattle on a family farm in Amherst, Wisconsin. The cause: a deadly buildup of toxic gases in a manure holding tank.

According to WAOW, Biadasz died from gas poisoning—likely methane or sulfur oxide—while preparing to pump the tank. Thirteen cattle died at the scene, with three more succumbing later.

His father, Bob Biadasz, called it a “perfect storm” of unusual weather. Warm upper air temperatures created a “dome” that trapped toxic gases near the tank, preventing normal air circulation.

The Portage County coroner, Scott Rifleman, confirmed the rare nature of the incident, noting such deaths usually happen in enclosed spaces. Michael, who had safely emptied the tank hundreds of times before, was found unresponsive by coworkers.

In his honor, the family parked a line of tractors and trucks—including Michael’s black pickup—along the road near their farm. “The family is devastated,” Rifleman said.

The accident has prompted renewed calls for stricter regulations and safety measures around manure storage. The National Agriculture Safety Database recommends proper ventilation, warning signs, and strict construction standards to prevent gas exposure.

A similar incident in Virginia in 2007 killed five family members due to methane buildup from a pipe blockage. Experts say such tragedies are preventable with proper safeguards.

Social media users shared their sympathy, with one writing, “As if there isn’t already enough danger in farming, this is heartbreaking.”

As investigations continue, Michael Biadasz is being remembered as a dedicated young farmer whose life was cut short by an unforeseeable hazard on land he loved.