Wisconsin Ag Connection - Biadasz Family Looking to Use Memorial Fund to Promote Safety

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Biadasz Family Looking to Use Memorial Fund to Promote Safety
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 12/02/2016

The family of a Portage County farmer who died last summer from manure gas poisoning wants to use the money people donated in his memory to promote farm safety efforts. The Michael Biadasz Farm Safety and Education Memorial Fund was established to help educate others about the dangers of manure gases and other on-farm hazards after the 29-year-old Biadasz died on August 15 while agitating animal waste near an outdoor manure pit.

"Mike was our son, our friend and our business partner," says Biadasz's mother, Diane. "It is who you have beside you that makes life worthwhile. Mike walked beside us--he walked beside a lot of people--that is why we are all hurting like we are."

The memorial fund is now being managed by the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin. Executive Director Erin Andrews says the account grew to such a large amount that the family decided to use the funds to promote farm safety and education in order to make the gifts tax deductible.

"The Biadasz family is trying to spread the word about the changes to the fund and their efforts to promote safety and education in the farming community," Andrews said.

Mike died when heavy air conditions caused the natural gases from the manure pit to stay in place instead of rising up and dissipating. Over a dozen head of cattle were also overcome and died that morning.

To support the Mike Biadasz Farm Safety and Education Memorial Fund, financial gifts can be made to the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin. The family is working with agriculture and educational organizations to raise awareness and help prevent a future tragedy.

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