Leona Staples, co-owner of The Jungle Farm in Red Deer County, has been conferred with the Notable Lifetime Achiever honour at the recently concluded 2025 Women in Ag Awards. The Agriculture Financial Services (AFSC) recognized and celebrated multiple women who are shaping the future of agriculture and building stronger communities.

Leona is an advocate, an innovator, and a mentor who has spent decades fostering agriculture education, agritourism, and business mentorship. Her impact will continue to shape the agriculture industry for years to come. Her farm welcomes over 30,000 visitors each year and helps them understand the importance of agriculture and local food production.

Leona has been a dedicated advocate for women in agriculture, making sure 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. Leona played a key role in launching the Calgary Farmers’ Market, which is now a multi-million-dollar enterprise helping countless small businesses and farmers thrive.

Having spent more than 30 years as part of the Innisfail Growers Cooperative, Leona has been instrumental in helping farm families remain viable, profitable, and connected to their communities. Leona is committed to mentorship and education through 4-H, school programs, business development, and industry leadership, dedicating her career to ensuring others have the tools and knowledge they need to succeed.

For more information about the AFSC Women in Ag Awards and 2025 recipients, click here. You can learn more about the 2025 winners here.