The co-owner of The Jungle Farm in Red Deer County has been acknowledged as the Notable Lifetime Achiever at the 2025 Women in Ag Awards.
Leona Staples was one of the multiple women recognized by Agriculture Financial Services during an awards celebration in Calgary on Sunday, March 16, Agriculture Financial Services (AFSC) recognized multiple women during The Notables awards celebration in Calgary.
"Leona Staples is a legacy-builder," details a bio on the AFSC website.
"As the co-owner and operator of The Jungle Farm, she has spent decades fostering agriculture education, agritourism, and business mentorship. Her farm welcomes over 30,000 visitors each year, ensuring that consumers understand the importance of agriculture and local food production.
"Her influence extends far beyond her farm. She has been a steadfast advocate for women in agriculture, ensuring that women have opportunities to lead, grow, and succeed. She served on the Olds College Board of Governors, helping shape education for future generations of agricultural professionals, and played a key role in launching the Calgary Farmers’ Market, a now multi-million-dollar enterprise that has helped countless small businesses and farmers thrive."
Staples has also spent more than 30 years as part of the Innisfail Growers Cooperative, which is described as a pioneering collaboration that has helped farm families remain viable, profitable, and connected to their communities.
"But what sets Leona apart is her commitment to mentorship and education. Whether through 4-H, school programs, business development, or industry leadership, she has dedicated her career to ensuring others have the tools and knowledge they need to succeed," states her bio.
"Leona leads by example—she invests in people, builds communities, and uplifts the next generation. She is an advocate, an innovator, and a mentor whose impact will continue to shape the industry for years to come."
AFSC’s Women in Ag Awards celebrate the women who are helping shape the future of agriculture in Alberta. The other recipients were:
— Josie Pashulka, The Operator
— Janice Wirsta, The Ignitor
— Sheri Strydhorst, Professional Leader
— Mariana Guerra-Maupome, The Promoter
— Nikki Peltzer, The Community Builder
— Kendra Donnelly, The Maverick
— Amanda Elzinga-Pugh, The Rising Star
"At AFSC, we are passionate about fostering a strong and vibrant future for agriculture – one that includes supporting the next generation, encouraging diversity in the industry, and amplifying the voices of women making an impact,” explained Kelly Smith-Fraser, AFSC board chair.
“With the Women in Ag Awards, we are celebrating the women who are shaping that future. Their leadership is driving change, their resilience is building stronger communities, and their dedication is inspiring the next generation.”
For more information about the AFSC Women in Ag Award and this year's recipients, please visit AFSC.ca/WomenInAgAward.
