Milkweed has long been undervalued. Even the name suggests inferiority as a weed instead of an essential pollinating flower.
Milkweed pods are harvested by hand, then shipped to the manufacturing facility at Ogallala, Neb. There, the raw materials are separated and made into the various products created by Herb Knudsen.
Debbie Dekleva is fulfilling her father’s dream by carrying on the family business, which includes pillows and bedding filled with a blend of milkweed floss and goose down feathers.
An employee fills a pillow with the specific ratio of milkweed floss and goose down feather at the Ogallala Comfort Company in Ogallala, Neb.
Ogallala Comfort Company in Nebraska also supplies pillows and bedding for a luxury Swedish line called Duxiana.
People are also reading…
J.J. Collier, right, was unaware that his father John had collected milkweed pods as a youth for World War II. Ironically, J.J. designed vests with the milkweed-based insulation Minsolite.
Milkweed Balm products are made in-house at the facility in Ogallala, Neb.
Reporter Kristen Sindelar has loved agriculture her entire life, coming from a diversified farm with three generations working side-by-side in northeastern Nebraska. Reach her at Kristen.Sindelar@midwestmessenger.com.
Kristen Sindelar
Agriculture Reporter
