MADISON, WI (WSAU) — The Wisconsin Assembly has recognized August 15th as “Mike Biadasz Day” in memory of the Amherst farmer who lost his life one year ago in a manure pit accident.
Rep. Katrina Shankland (D-Stevens Point) introduced the resolution. In a press release, she said, “Over the past year, I’ve gotten to know the Biadasz family as they tirelessly work to raise awareness and funds to honor Mike’s legacy.
“Through their efforts, they’ve raised tens of thousands of dollars to purchase gas monitors for family farmers while educating them about the dangers of toxic gases. I’m so grateful to the Biadasz family for their generous spirits, kind hearts, and most of all, the love for their son that they instill in everyone they meet.”
Mike was killed shortly after stirring his family farm’s manure holding tank. The calm winds, clear skies, and fog on the ground created the exact temperature conditions for concentrated hydrogen sulfide gas to stay in place above the pit and overcome Biadasz.
The Biadasz family has since donated $40,000 towards a gas monitoring program at the National Farm Medicine Center in Marshfield.