Use a Barn Camera to watch your horse / Zur Pferdeüberwachung eine BarnCam

[appaloosa-pony]

Use a Barn Camera to watch your horse
Benutzen Sie zur Pferdeüberwachung eine BarnCam Kamera
Gebruik een BarnCam camera om uw paard te bewaken
Utilisez une came BarnCam pour surveiller votre cheval


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqRKk0ZQTbo

Setup of Wireless Horse Camera System for Metal Barns
Die Installation der drahtlosen BarnCam Kamera für Metallställe
De installatie van een draadloze BarnCam camera voor metalen stallen
Installation d'une came de phase sans fil BarnCam pour des granges en métal

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGZ0PLK4F_0

Stream your Horse or Foal on Live at FoalCam.com
Die PC Installation der live streaming Kamera
Installatie op de PC van een Live Streaming camera
Installation sur ordinateur d'une came de phase

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWTx6ODKUF8

New Version:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btJi_XhXU3c

[appaloosa-pony]

 

You want to buy or know more about a BarnCam?
Sie möchten gerne eine BarnCam Kamera kaufen oder mehr darüber wissen?

Links to our Administrator Bill Thiel, Wisconsin, USA:

www.barncam.de
www.barncam.com
www.foalcam.com
www.appaloosa.org

Links to our moderators or cam owner:

http://www.appaloosa-pony.com/1646666.htm (in Deutsch)
http://www.appaloosa-pony.com/1832832.htm (in English)

http://www.freewebs.com/stalakkie/ (in Nederland)

http://www.minigestuet-bavaria.de/index.php?bereich=Cam (in Deutsch)

  

[appaloosa-pony]

BARNCAM INTERNATIONAL RETTETE DAS LEBEN EINES NEUGEBORENEN FOHLENS! 

Mit Stolz können wir sagen,
dass wieder einmal eine BarnCam und das Team vom BarnCam International Forum
ein kleines Fohlenleben retten konnten. 

   

Vor wenigen Tagen wurde in Deutschland ein kleines Hengstfohlen geboren,
dass in der Eihaut feststeckte und nicht atmen konnte.
Es lag bereits reglos hinter seiner Mutter,
obgleich sofort ein Anruf zu Beginn des Abfohlens erfolgte.

 

Aufgrund dieser Situation, die auf der Live Streaming Cam zu ersehen war,
konnte der Besitzer schnellstens benachrichtigt
und dem Fohlen das Leben gerettet werden.

 

In solchen Situationen geht es um Minuten,
die lebensrettend sein können! 

DAS IST ES, WOFÜR BARNCAM INTERNATIONAL DA IST! 

Würden sich mehr Züchter und Pferdebesitzer dafür entscheiden,
ihre abfohlenden Stuten per Live Streaming Cam über das Internet zu überwachen,
würden sicherlich mehr Fohlen- und Stutenleben gerettet werden können.

Gleichzeitig können auch die Züchter einmal ein wenig zur Ruhe kommen in dieser stressigen Abfohlzeit,
wenn sie von anderen weltweit unterstützt werden.

Ausserdem entstehen wunderbare Freundschaften und Interessengruppen,
wenn man sich miteinander austauscht. 



Das Team von BarnCam International wünscht sich,
dass noch mehr Züchter und Pferdebesitzer uns vertrauen,
und sich eine BarnCam zulegen. 

 

Je mehr wachsame Augen schauen,
desto besser!

Hoffentlich bis bald! 

 

[appaloosa-pony]

BARNCAMS

I found very interesting news about BarnCams in the internet. Bill Thiel, the owner of Saddlebrook BarnCams has given them an interview.

I quote this interesting reports about it, but I can't publish the photos, because of the copyright. If you want to see them, please take a look at the links above.


Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Big brother is watching: Barncams Part 1

http://behindthebit.blogspot.com/2008/06/big-brother-is-watching-barncams-part-1.html

Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Big brother is watching: Barncams Part 1

There are several parts to this series: This article introduces consumer "surveillance" technology as it applies to barns and horses. Hardwired and wireless barncam setups are described. Part 2 will cover putting your barncam on the Web (allowing you, and others, to monitor your horse from anywhere!). Part 3 will cover trailercams.

Have you ever wished you could monitor your horse via the Internet? Me too. It's not just practical for foaling -- horses can get themselves in trouble, getting caught, or cast, colicking, choking, all of those nightmare scenarios that cross our minds when we're the first to enter the barn in the morning. As a boarder, I can't really install a webcam without getting buy-in and using the property owner's Internet resources. Kind of a tough sell, don't you think? But hope springs eternal, so I did some research. This will be a multipart series. Part 1 covers basic barncam technology...

ABOUT BARNCAM TECHNOLOGY

Direct- or hard-wired solutions
A hard or direct wired solution will provide the best picture and reliability. Basically, you need to do the following things:

Mount the camera in the barn stall and plug it into a power source.
Decide how you'll run the cable. You'll need a really long video cable--long enough to run from the barn to your house. Unless you plan to use it on an occasional/temporary basis, you'll need to find a permanent means of running the cable. For example, you can use PVC pipe to bury the cable in the ground.
Connect the cable to the camera in your barn and run it to your house. You can use a flat jumper cable to go under a window or door.
Connect the cable to the video/audio input of your TV or VCR.
As you might guess, running the cable is the biggest challenge, and depending on the distance from house to barn and other environmental conditions, it may not be feasible.

Wireless solutions
Wireless solutions solve the practical issues of running cable. The camera runs to a transmitter that is mounted on the barn. The transmitter sends data wirelessly to a receiver at the house. No cables, but wireless transmission has drawbacks too:

- Wireless is subject to interference from
---buildings (metal, stone, brick, etc.)
---building materials such as foil backed insulation, vinyl-coated aluminum, or tempered glass
---microwaves, wireless routers, and 2.4 GHz cordless phones
---trees, weather, etc.
- The picture quality may not compare to wired solutions
- Wireless requires that you place the equipment in line of sight (LOS) from the home to the barn. The transmitter and/or antenna may have to be mounted on the outside of the barn or near a window. The receiver might need to sit at a window of the house.

Did I mention line of sight?
LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION. Of the transmitter and receiver that is. This is the single most important factor in making wireless work. Wireless transmitters can be standard strength (400-500 foot range) or more high powered for longer distances. High power transmitters are supposed to transmit for miles, but practically speaking, about 3000 feet is typical. Antennas may help with signal strength. If you don't know the distance from barn to home, find your property on Google Earth and use the tools to measure the distance. Analyze your property for possible sources of interference before you buy.

The equipment setup
So here is the setup for a wireless system.
- The camera, which may require a power source, is mounted in the stall.
A 50-150 foot cable runs from the camera to a transmitter, which is likely mounted near a window or outside the barn. The transmitter requires a power source and should be weatherproof.
At your house, ideally in line of sight from the barn, you should have a receiver set up. The receiver needs a power source.
- The receiver (pictured right) connects via cable to your TV, computer, laptop, or VCR.
- When everything is connected, configured, and powered up, you should be able to monitor your horse from your house.

Cameras
I won't go into this too much, suffice to say that cam options are varied: wide-angle, color or BW, infrared (work in darkness), with or without audio, high or low resolution, etc. Don't skimp here, get the highest quality and highest resolution you can afford. A 480 line resolution is recommended. Note that in dark conditions, most color cams will revert to BW to maintain image quality.

Pricing for barncam system
To buy a wireless system from one of the "turnkey sellers," the prices will run something like this:

- You'll pay about $350 for a black and white barncam and wireless system with a range of 500 feet.
- A more powerful transmitter (up to 1000 feet) and a color camera will put you at $500-$600.
- Add a long range weatherproof transmitter (up to 3000 feet) for another $100-$150
- Infrared (night vision) capability is another $100.

BARNCAM FAQ

What are the most common mistakes people make in buying/setting up a system?
The most common mistakes are not getting the proper camera for your situation. Most people have metal sided barns, or barns with metal roofs. Standard cheaper systems will not work with these types of barns. The main reason people might be dissatisfied with a system is that the cheaper systems use low quality cameras and low power wireless transmitters which are not made for use in the barn. Systems should have all steel housings, high powered transmitters, wide angle lenses and audio. They should be made specifically for barns/farms. (THANKS to Bill Thiel, Saddlebrook Barncams, for this answer).

Aside from the lower cost, why would I want a black and white system?
Black and white systems may provide a better quality picture overall and will produce pictures in lower light conditions than color systems.

What kinds of materials can interfere with a signal?
Metal barns, metal roofs on barns, tempered glass, vinyl coated aluminum siding, insulation with foil backing, thick trees, and metal blinds.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the different frequencies?
As the frequencies increase quality of transmission increases. However, as frequencies increase accuracy of delivery becomes more critical. While the higher frequencies offer higher quality, reliable delivery of the signal will depend more on good placement of the components. (THANKS to Bill Thiel, Saddlebrook Barncams, for this answer).

Can I record to a VCR from a wireless system?
Yes. The RCA plugs go into your television set are the same type used in VCRs and DVD players and recorders. You can connect directly to a VCR or DVD recorder to record transmissions.

What is infrared?
IR is infrared and allows the camera to operate in total darkness. Infrared pictures are always in black and white even if the camera shows color during daylight conditions.

What frequencies will operate wireless camera systems?
Wireless cameras are available in 900 Mhz, 1.2Ghz and 2.4Ghz frequencies. Systems that operate at 5.8 Ghz are now becoming available.

What are some of the companies that provide barncam solutions?
In preparing this article I talked to Riverwind Surveillance Supply and Saddlebrook Barncams. While I didn't purchase from them, they were terrific -- responsive and knowledgable, but also willing to educate. You only have to look at their web sites to see they really like their work and know their stuff. Smartpak Equine sells a barncam and they've always had good customer service. Other companies are out there, and they may be fine. But there are many of them and none really stood out like Saddlebrook and River Wind. You can also assemble your own system, and it might be cheaper. Do your homework and make sure you know the equipment to avoid disappointments, or you'll end up doing it over and there goes the cost savings!

Coming up...
In the next part of the series, I'll cover the dream-scenario of working horse moms -- monitoring your horse via the web.

Friday, June 13, 2008
Barncams on the Web: Part 2

http://behindthebit.blogspot.com/search?q=barncams

Friday, June 13, 2008
Barncams on the Web: Part 2
 
In the last article I covered how to set up a basic barncam for home viewing. In this one I'll cover setting up a barncam for Web access. Barn webcams are popular among breeders, who like having the extra pairs of eyes --sometimes thousands of eyes -- on their ready-to-foal moms. Hovering horse moms such as myself dream of being able to check on their horse from work. And if you need a good personal safety rationale for your spouse/SO, here's a compelling story.

Equipment needed to set up a wireless barncam on the Web
If you happen to have a high speed network at your barn, you'll just need a streaming IP camera connected to your barn's network. But who has a high speed network in their barn???

If you're a regular old mortal and you want to set a wireless cam system up for Web viewing, here is what you need. You need:

- a camera mounted in the stall (don't skimp on quality here)
- a 2.4 Ghz transmitter mounted somewhere on the barn (and a place to plug it into power). Mounting the transmitter and/or antenna outside is recommended
- a cable (50-150 foot is typical) that runs from the camera to the transmitter

In your house, there are some additional requirements -- things not needed in the standard system covered in the first article. You need:

- a receiver that connects to the computer
- a computer with a video capture card
- an Internet connection
- a streaming service like marestare.com ($15/month)

Getting your barn cam on the net
As mentioned above, you'll need to buy a video capture card and subscribe to a video streaming service. Cards come with software that may or may not be compatible with your video streaming service, so check with the streaming service to see what card/software they recommend. Cards can be installed inside the computer or purchased as an external device attached via a USB connection. Marestare.com will sell you the card and software. Marestare.com also provides you with a Web page displaying your cam video or you can embed the cam video on your own Web site. You can restsrict access to viewing your barncam if you wish.

To summarize, a typical wireless web-capable system might run:

- Cam, transmitter, receiver system: $500 (color, wireless, 1000 foot range).
- Video capture card and software $70
- Marestare.com $180 for one year subscription (Internet connection is assumed here)
- High speed Internet connection

TOTAL: $750 plus cost of Internet connection

Below is a schematic of the equipment... (sorry no photo available because of the copy right - see link above to see photo)

Other streaming services
In addition to marestare.com, which was one of the first, there are many communities online although mare stare isthe biggest. Sites like Foalcam.com (horse), criacam.com (alpaca) and BarnCam.de (international) all allow people to watch each others animals live over the web. There is a site foalcall.com that lets viewers contact the owner by text message or email when a mare shows signs of foaling, etc.

How would you put a 20 stall boarding barn on the Web?
I posed this question to Bill Theil of Saddlebrook Barncams. You never know, maybe he'll have an answer I can pitch to my barn owner, right? His answer is:

The cheapest way to put 20 cameras on the web would to have a fast internet connection at the barn and then wire each camera to a computer using the capture cards and upload it from that computer. There are capture cards with multiple inputs so that all cards could go to one computer. So four things are needed: Cameras, capture cards, a computer connected to the Internet and the stream hosting. An easier way would be to buy streaming IP cameras and connect them to the barn network. Then capture cards and computer would not be needed. Examples of these cameras are at http://www.madcitybarhop.com/

A SAMPLING BARNCAM COMPANIES
Riverwind surveillance supply
Saddlebrook barncams
AVTechsolutions

(Posted by Stacey Kimmel-Smith)

[appaloosa-pony]

Just a Minute with Bill Thiel, president and owner of Saddlebrook BarnCams LLC

http://www.biztimes.com/news/2004/7/9/just-a-minute-with-bill-thiel-president-and-owner-of-saddlebrook-barncams-llc

Published July 9, 2004

Company address: N76 W36096 Saddlebrook Lane, Oconomowoc, WI 53066
Company Web sites: www.barncams.com, www.barnbuddy.com, www.appaloosa.org
Industry: Agricultural surveillance and entertainment/education.
Number of employees: 5
Your education: Bachelor of science in psychology and master of arts in applied behavioral science from Valparaiso University
Family: Wife, Susan Fronk, who is president and CEO of MRA - The Management Association; son, Joseph, 8 years old, manager of music and song; daughter Sarah, 7 years old, ambassador of can-do spirit; son, Drew, 3 years old, supervisor of reality checks; Mabel, Bassett hound, 9 years old, chief of security.
What was the smartest thing your company did in the past year?
"Built a state-of-the-art facility on our property which now houses our business, allowing for better separation of professional and personal lives. It also reduces the daily physical workload for caretaking 15 horses with automatic waterers, convenient layout and temperature control. This facility has increased efficiency and productivity, and connects us better with our customers.
What's new at your company?
"Awaiting patent approval which would carve out a significant niche in the industry. Developing a new product line to complement our somewhat cyclical business and open up new markets. Our 9-year-old old stallion, Zip Me Impressive, won the World's Best Appaloosa title in November, bringing a lot of traffic, recognition, interest and PR opportunities our way."

What will be your company's main challenges in the next year?
"Capitalization of growth. We have founded and grown this business with no long-term debt, and bigger and bigger raw material orders are big cash users. Managing inventory and manufacturing for just-in-time order fulfillment. Diversifying product offerings and evening out the business cycle. Selecting the right strategic, long-term priorities from a multitude of markets."
Do you have a business mantra?
"Carpe Diem."
From a business standpoint, who do you look up to?
"My father in law. A successful dentist and businessman prior to retirement. He lives by the principle that some people do what is required and get by, while others do more than is expected and get ahead."
What was the best advice you ever received?
"What would you do if you knew you could not fail?"
What do you do like to do in your free time?
"What's that? With three small children, a working horse farm, a commitment to give back to the community with a number of key charities and a thriving business, it's a good thing we enjoy how these things all interconnect. We enjoy fishing, travel, horses and farming, and getting to know visitors from around the world. In the past few years, we have had visitors at Saddlebrook from England, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, Canada (numerous times), Germany and Japan.
July 9, 2004, Small Business Times, Milwaukee, WI

[appaloosa-pony]

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C00E2DB1E3AF932A05752C0A9649C8B63

By PAMELA LICALZI O'CONNELL
Published: January 31, 2002

Horse Sense

Forget JenniCam, give me BarnCam. More than 20 American horse farms now Webcast the birth of foals. And these inherently dramatic -- if somewhat graphic -- events are watched by thousands of ardent fans around the world.

For weeks before a foal is due, fans tune in a barncam -- as these cameras have become known -- to follow the progress of a pregnant mare. This month, for example, an estimated 220,000 people visited the cam at Saddlebrook Appaloosa Horses (www.appaloosa.org/livefoal.html) to view Frosty's final weeks of confinement (she is a week overdue). This will be Frosty's fourth online delivery and the 20th for Saddlebrook, said Susan Thiel, who owns the horse farm with her husband, Bill.

She added that Saddlebrook now sells cameras to other farms and maintains a Web ring, or linked list, of sites that feature them. It also started a fee-based ''barncam buddies'' site that offers, among other extras, Webcasts of veterinarians' visits and udder close-ups (changes in udder size signal an impending birth).

''People love horses and the life of a farm,'' Ms. Thiel said by way of explaining the appeal of such sites. And Saddlebrook certainly has a devoted audience, based on its friendly -- and quite active -- message board. Some online fans of Saddlebrook have even traveled from overseas to visit the farm.

Many barncam aficionados use special software to display multiple cams simultaneously on their PC's. Thus they can follow along as the birth countdown shifts from barn to barn across the Web (foaling season typically runs from January through April). ''I'm a barncamoholic,'' said Fonda Pusatero, a horse lover who raises her own Appaloosas in Reno, Nev. ''I hurry home from work every night to watch. I currently view 16 cams simultaneously. I hope I don't miss a thing this year.''

[appaloosa-pony]

http://www.spiegel.de/netzwelt/web/0,1518,180652,00.html

04. Februar 2002

HORSECAMS
Skurriles live aus dem Pferdestall
Von Jochen A. Siegle

Es lebe die HorseCam: Im Netz etabliert sich die schräge Subkultur, Fohlen-Geburten live zu verfolgen

Überwachungsshows wie "Big Brother", Web-Sexkameras à la Voyeurdorm oder private "JenniCams" sind out. Der neueste Schrei sind, zumindest online, BarnCams - was etwa so viel bedeutet wie "Scheunen-Kameras".

Mehr als 20 amerikanische Farmen übertragen mittlerweile rund um die Uhr Livebilder aus ihren Pferde-, Ziegen- und Kuhställen. Der absolute Renner dabei: die Geburten von Fohlen. Schon Wochen vor einer Niederkunft loggen sich Tausende webaffine Pferdefans aus aller Welt auf einschlägigen Webseiten ein. Hardcore-HorseCam-Fans, die sich selbst längst "BarnCamaholics" nennen, beobachten mit Hilfe spezieller Software Dutzende Höfe simultan.

Die wohl bekannteste Scheunen-Kamera betreibt die Saddlebrook Appaloosa Farm in Oconomowoc im US-Bundesstaat Wisconsin. Im Januar zählte deren Site Eigenangaben zufolge 220.000 virtuelle Besucher, die die bereits vierte Online-Schwangerschaft der weißgrauen Stute "Frosty" verfolgen konnten - samt Entbindung. Insgesamt hat das Gestüt bereits 20 Geburten im Netz übertragen.

Mittlerweile betätigen sich die Betreiber auch als WebCam-Dienstleister für andere Farmen und statten diese mit dem nötigen Equipment aus. Vor kurzem startete die Saddelbrook Farm auch eine gebührenpflichtige Premium-Kamera für die ganz hart gesottenen "BarnCam Buddys": Für sieben US-Dollar im Monat stehen Abonnenten etwa Webcasts von Tierarztbesuchen, "BarnCamversations" mit den Eignern Bill und Susan oder selbst Großaufnahmen von Eutern zur Verfügung.

Über Hobbys lässt sich nun mal ebenso streiten wie über Geschmäcker. Und der BarnCam-Spaß ist so oder so nur von limitierter Dauer: In den USA endet die rund vier Monate dauernde Fohlensaison im April.

[appaloosa-pony]

ANIMAL PLANET

Q&A with Saddlebrook Farm!  -  Ask Bill Thiel of Saddlebrook Farm

http://community.discovery.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/776102245/m/986102245

http://community.discovery.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/776102245/m/986102245/p/2

and more ...

http://community.discovery.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/557104905/m/859108155

[appaloosa-pony]

http://www.dairycamera.com/

Dairy Cameras

When it comes to farm security or monitoring your valuable farm livestock, nothing beats the convenience and peace of mind you get with a Wireless BarnCam System.

Birthing pens, holding pens, turnouts, parlors, tanks, driveways, entrances, storage areas - make sure that your farm operations are running smoothly and securely even when you’re not there. Now you can keep an eye on your farm and livestock even at night…all from the comfort of your home or even when you’re far away.

With the original Wireless BarnCam System from Saddlebrook you can easily monitor your livestock and critical farm sites any time from anywhere. BarnCams are designed for wireless transmission of video and audio up to ONE MILE from any type of building. Up to four cameras can be viewed on one system, including indoor and outdoor locations.

Our durable farm monitoring system is easy to use, affordable and effective at saving you time and money. Each BarnCam System is complete and includes everything you need – just connect to any standard TV and you can watch your farm operations from the comfort of your own home. You can even keep an eye on your farm activity from anywhere in the world using our Webcam Kit.

Wireless BarnCams have been used to keep an eye on farms since 1999. Camera systems are available for all types of barns, including those with metal roofs or sides, concrete block and stone. BarnCams can reach distances of up to one mile with no outside wires, and our systems allow you to watch up to four cameras with our exclusive “Auto-Switch” four channel receiver with remote control.

Our customers are #1. Your satisfaction is our goal or you get your money back. Period. Like you, we value our own farm and livestock. That’s why we use the same products that we sell. No other farm camera company will give you a better product and back it up with our level of knowledge and support.

Give us a try today – you’ll be glad you did!

[appaloosa-pony]

http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=6012

Barnyard buffs

You may have already fallen in love with the stars - Lucy, Rosie, Penny and Miss Centerfold - and become hooked on one of the most dramatic live-camera Internet shows anywhere: "BarnCam."

If so, you've got company. The BarnCam horse-opera saga of foal births at Oconomowoc's Saddlebrook Appaloosas (www.appaloosa.org/livefoal.html) garnered no less than 30 million hits from around the world in February alone. Who could resist predicting and then watching the actual births of these beautiful foals right online?

And now it gets better. Beginning Jan. 1, BarnCam fans can sign up for, yes, "The BarnCam Buddies Club." For $7 monthly or $35 annually, members get four - count 'em - four continuously changing camera views of the expectant mares. Membership privileges also include weekly newsletters with daily updates during high season, weekly live "BarnCamversations" with special guests, the "Udder Page" humor sheet, Saddlebrook open house visits, prize drawings and full details of the breeding program with, of course, mare ultrasounds.

Sign up for the club and you, too, will be singing the BarnCam theme song: "What Kind of Foal Am I?"

[appaloosa-pony]

http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-6149170.html

BarnCams: System spurs horsin' around online

Article from: The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Article date: November 30, 2002 Author: CORISSA JANSEN

BarnCams: System spurs horsin' around online

Oconomowoc couple cultivates business, friends from horse-raising hobby

By CORISSA JANSEN cjansen@journalsentinel.com, Journal Sentinel

Saturday, November 30, 2002

Oconomowoc -- In an old red barn where turkeys once nested and chickens laid their eggs, a tangle of wires and four whirring computers turn the otherwise pastoral setting at Saddlebrook Farms on its head.

From this command center surrounded by 35 acres of farmland, Bill and Susan Thiel run a network of "BarnCams" that transmit live video images of their 15 appaloosa horses to millions of horse lovers and curious Web surfers around the world.

Capturing everything from daily feedings to ...

Read all of this article with a FREE trial

[appaloosa-pony]

http://www.wmc.org/display.cfm?ID=870

Fifty-two Businesses Nominated for Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Awards

• MADISON—Fifty-two Wisconsin companies have been nominated for the 17th Annual Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Awards (MOTY) for outstanding achievements in manufacturing, the sponsors announced Monday.
  
  The annual competition is co-sponsored by Michael Best and Friedrich LLP, a preeminent Midwest-based law firm; Virchow, Krause & Company, LLP, the nation’s 13th largest accounting and consulting firm; and Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, the state’s largest business association.
  
  “This strong field of nominees show that the manufacturers have good stories to share,” said Geoffrey Morgan, a partner at Michael Best & Friedrich LLP. “The Manufacturer of the Year Award program honors businesses for their commitment to excellence, their employees, and the state.”
  
  Winners will be announced at a black-tie awards banquet on March 3, 2005, at the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee.
  
  “Wisconsin manufacturers have survived a tough economy and are making a comeback,” said James S. Haney, WMC president. “It is important to salute these companies for their accomplishments, creating good-paying jobs and a better quality of life for the citizens of our state.”
  
  “This year’s nominees are dedicated to building a better Wisconsin and superior workforce,” said Tim Christen, CEO of Virchow Krause. “It is because of the hard work of Wisconsin manufacturers that our families are stronger and our communities are more vibrant.”
  
  MOTY Grand Award winners are categorized based on the number of employees. Two additional Grand Award categories include the Community Commitment Grand Award, which honors a company that demonstrates outstanding community commitment and steadfast community involvement, and the High-Tech Grand Award for innovation and leadership in high-tech manufacturing.
  
  Special awards may be presented to companies for their contributions to the manufacturing industry in Wisconsin. Nominated companies are evaluated in areas such as financial growth or consistency, technological advances, product development, environmental solutions, operational excellence/continuous improvement, commitment to employees, and effective research and development.
  
  An independent panel of judges, with representatives from business, education, government and the media, selects the 2004 Manufacturer of the Year Award winners.
  
  2004 Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Nominees
  
  Company
   City
   
  Advanced Tooling Specialists, Inc.
   Menasha
   
  Alby Materials, Inc.
   Burlington
   
  Alliance Laundry Systems
   Ripon
   
  American Laser Products Inc.
   Middleton
   
  Argon Industries, Inc.
   Milwaukee
   
  Ariens Company
   Brillion
   
  Bay Shipbuilding Company
   Sturgeon Bay
   
  Bone Care International
   Middleton
   
  Brady Corporation
   Milwaukee
   
  Bucyrus International, Inc.
   South Milwaukee
   
  Commercial Communications, Inc.
   Hartland
   
  Gammex Inc.
   Madison
   
  GE Infrastructure Water & Process Technologies
   Milwaukee
   
  Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
   Wausau
   
  Great White Dental Lab, LLC
   Lodi
   
  Greenheck Fan Corporation
   Schofield
   
  Gusmer Enterprises, Inc.
   Waupaca
   
  Harnischfeger Corporation
   Milwaukee
   
  HED, Inc. (Hydro Electronic Devices, Inc.)
   Hartford
   
  Heritage Veneered Products
   Shawano
   
  Industrial Combustion
   Monroe
   
  Kraft Pizza
   Little Chute
   
  Magnetek, Inc.
   Menomonee Falls
   
  Marshall Towne Millwork, LLC
   Marshall
   
  Mercury Marine
   Fond du Lac
   
  Milprint, Inc.
   Oshkosh
   
  Modern of Marshfield, Inc.
   Marshfield
   
  Mortara Instrument, Inc.
   Milwaukee
   
  Necedah Screw Machine Products, Inc.
   Necedah
   
  Northeast Wisconsin Printing Co., Inc.
   Appleton
   
  Northwoods Paper Converting, Inc.
   Beaver Dam
   
  Openfirst, LLC
   Milwaukee
   
  ORBIS Corporation
   Oconomowoc
   
  Orion Energy Systems
   Plymouth
   
  Outlook Group Corp.
   Neenah
   
  Pierce Manufacturing Inc.
   Appleton
   
  Portage Plastics Corporation
   Portage
   
  Quinton Cardiology, Inc.
   Deerfield
   
  Res Manufacturing Company
   Milwaukee
   
  Saddlebrook BarnCams
   Oconomowoc
   
  Schoeneck Containers, Inc. (SCI)
   New Berlin
   
  Seats Incorporated
   Reedsburg
   
  Signicast Corporation
   Hartford
   
  Silicon Graphics, Inc.
   Chippewa Falls
   
  Sprecher Brewing Company, Inc.
   Glendale
   
  Stork Cellramic, Inc.
   Milwaukee
   
  Tufco Technologies, Inc.
   Green Bay
   
  Universal Die & Stampings
   Prairie du Sac
   
  Visual Systems, Inc.
   Milwaukee
   
  Waukesha Tool & Stamping, Inc.
   Sussex
   
  Witmer Industries, Inc.
   Abbotsford
   
  Wolf River Lumber, Inc.
   New London

[appaloosa-pony]

http://www.wmc.org/display.cfm?ID=175

2002 Manufacturer of the Year Nominees

A&B Process Systems Corp., Stratford
Accurate Pattern, Inc., Brookfield
Alcoa Wheel Products Beloit - AWP, Beloit
Alto-Shaam, Inc., Menomonee Falls
American Orthodontics, Sheboygan
Appleton Papers Inc., Appleton
Artesyn Communication Products, Madison
Badger Paper Mills, Inc., Peshtigo
Bay-Tek, Inc., Pulaski
Bemis Manufacturing Co., Sheboygan Falls
Century Foods International, Sparta
City Brewing Company, La Crosse
Coating Excellence International, LLC, Wrightstown
Curt Manufacturing, Eau Claire
DaimlerChrysler - Kenosha Engine, Kenosha
Datex-Ohmeda Advent, Madison
Gremar Metal Industries, Inc., Green Bay
HUEBSCH, Eau Claire
InPro Corporation, Muskego
J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc., Neenah
K & B Innovations, Inc., North Lake
Manitowoc Ice, Inc., Manitowoc
Marshfield DoorSystems, Marshfield
MGS Mfg. Group, Inc., Germantown
Modern of Marshfield, Inc., Marshfield
Natural Ovens Bakery, Inc., Manitowoc
Open First, Inc., Milwaukee
Orbis Corporation, Oconomowoc
Oshkosh Truck Corporation, Oshkosh
Outlook Group Corp., Neenah
PARCO Manufacturing, Inc., Eau Claire
Penda Corporation, Portage
Plymouth Foam Incorporated, Plymouth
Quad/Graphics, Pewaukee
Saddlebrook BarnCams, Oconomowoc
Sharp Packaging Systems, Inc., Sussex
Specialty Tapes, Franksville
Surface Mount Technology Corporation, Appleton
Sweetheart Cup Company Inc. Hoffmaster Brands, Oshkosh
Tomah Products, Inc., Milton
Velocity Machine, Inc., De Pere
Viking Machine & Design Inc., De Pere
Visual Systems, Inc., Milwaukee
WennSoft, Inc., New Berlin
Wigwam Mills, Inc., Sheboygan
Wisconsin Built, Inc., Deerfield
Wisconsin Plastics, Inc. of Green Bay, Green Bay
Wiscraft, Incorporated, Milwaukee

Posted: January 24, 2003

[appaloosa-pony]

http://www.hawspets.org/Fall2003NL.pdf

BTB Ra i s e s $ 2 0 , 0 0 0 - G I DDY U P!

More than 100 people gathered at Saddlebrook
Farm in Oconomowoc, Saturday, September 6 to
kick up their heels in support of HAWS at Black Tie
& Boots: A Formal on the Farm. This second
annual event, which was web cast live on
animalplanet.com, raised more than $20,000 for
HAWS' lifesaving programs, and featured a raffle,
silent auction, carriage rides, music, dancing and a
special guest appearance by Dr. Patricia McConnell,
co-host of NPR's Calling All Pets. A special thanks
to our sponsors, participants and raffle and silent
auction donors for making this unique evening a
success!

[appaloosa-pony]

http://bridlepath.wordpress.com/2006/08/

Horse cams
31 08 2006

Let’s be honest, we all like spying on other people; some of them even invite you to do so. If you like watching horses (and you must, or you wouldn’t be here, would you?) there are a few horse and barn cams out there for your viewing enjoyment. You may need additional browser plugins in order to see some of these streams, and not all of them work well on Macs, grrrrrrrrrr.

AnimalCameras.com brings us the Jimmy Jam cam, broacasting from a horse rescue in Utah. Serenity Training shows a BLM mare and her foal. CEOates Ranch offers videos of their Quarter Horse Paint mares, and foaling videos. You can watch the arena at Haywire Farm in Ohio, or see spots in front of your eyes at Saddlebrook Appaloosas. SevenAcres Farm has minis for your viewing enjoyment, and there’s another good cam at Bestovall Arabians.

While we’re on the subject, you can also get disposable cameras with horse designs! They’d be great for 4-H, Pony Club, or as prizes or promotional giveaways at any horse event, and part of each purchase goes to help the North Shore Animal League.