AFSC Women in Ag Spotlight: Leona Staples, The 2025 Notable Lifetime Achiever

Her work turns the farm into a living classroom, builds food literacy across generations and demonstrates how women drive innovation, resilience and community in Alberta agriculture. Recently, Staples spoke with AFSC about her role in agriculture and how mentorship and recognition can encourage women to pursue a career in the industry.

“My role and career in agriculture began through the love and influence of my longtime farming family,” explained Staples, whose agriculture journey is deeply rooted in the Jungle Farm – a fifth-generation family farm homesteaded by her great-grandparents in 1897.

Since taking over the family farm in 1996, Staples and her husband, Blaine, have successfully expanded their traditional grain farm into a market garden business where they welcome 30,000 visitors annually and hosts field trips for 5,000 students each year.

Connecting people to their food

Focused on land stewardship, the Jungle Farm gives visitors a hands‑on farm experience leaving them with a clear, tangible connection to where their food comes from. They recently expanded their programming to include a Forest Walk which explores Indigenous history and teachings on an untouched portion of their land.

For over 30 years, Staples has partnered with Innisfail Growers, working alongside the co-operative to bring fresh, locally grown produce to communities in Calgary and the Red Deer area through year-round farmers’ markets. Additionally, she played a key role in establishing the Calgary Farmers’ Market initiative.

“Because women continue to be under-represented in some aspects of agriculture, from producer to industry leader, it is vital to recognize the women who have been able to achieve success so that their influence can act as a positive example to women – and all people – in terms of how women’s involvement adds to industry success.”

Staples recognizes that while the situation has improved since her early days in farming, agriculture remains a male-dominated field – creating challenges for women to have the same access to loans and financial support.

“Part of the challenge is cyclical, in that young women don’t have as many female role models to emulate and show the way,” said Staples. “It’s important for them to see themselves in this field to build their confidence in pursuing agriculture as a viable career for women.”

Modeling the way

Staples said she enjoys modelling the way for younger women, working to support female entrepreneurs in agriculture and other sectors by creating pathways of knowledge and support so more women can become successful professionals in agriculture and related fields. By dedicating time to mentoring women, both in person and online, Staples encourages risk‑taking and original thinking to help small businesses grow.

Her passion is sharing knowledge and adding value through community markets and on‑site events at The Jungle Farm, where female entrepreneurs, musicians and artists can showcase their work. Her lifelong dedication to agriculture and the next generation has created lasting opportunities for learning, entrepreneurship, and community connection.

“We have had a number of groups reach out to our farm and come for tours of our operation,” she noted. “For me personally, it has made me realize the positive impact we have had on agriculture education. As a family, we continue to evaluate the many opportunities that are available for future growth on our farm.”

Recognizing women’s achievements

Staples’ journey is a reminder of the influence women have in shaping the future of agriculture in Alberta.

Now, it’s your turn to help recognize that impact—nominate someone for the 2026 AFSC Women in Ag Awards.

Nominations for the 2026 awards being accepted until 11:59 p.m. November 17.