Well-Known WI Dairy Farmer Pete Petersen Dies At Pittsville Farm After Falling Down Silo Chute

PITTSVILLE, WI. (THECOUNT) – Popular Wisconsin dairy farmer, Pete Petersen, passed away Friday, a day after falling from a silo at his farm, Pittsville Fire Chief Jerry Minor said.

Petersen, 60, was working at his farm outside Pittsville when he fell 50 feet down a cattle grain feed silo chute about 4:30 p.m. Thursday.

“He was doing chores alone at the farm just outside Pittsville,” Chief Minor said as to the fatal accident.

He was transported to an area hospital where he passed away Friday..

“We know he fell down the silo chute and landed in the feed room area,” Minor said. “What caused the fall, I don’t know.” The height of silage being filled into the silo was about 50 feet but authorities don’t know how high Petersen may have been on the ladder, Minor said. “We don’t exactly know what he was doing in the silo,” the fire chief said. Filling it with cattle feed for winter has been ongoing the last few weeks, he said. source

Petersen and his wife run the farm that’s been in the family for decades, Minor said.