The Jungle Farm Ltd

The History of Our Farm

In the late 1800’s, Jacob Daniel Quantz pioneered west from Ontario to Alberta. Jacob and his wife, Sophia Jane, homesteaded a quarter NE of the current farm. In 1897, they bought and named The Jungle Farm. The farm name came from a brown bear that lived in the area.

Jacob was a graduate from the University of Guelph in Veterinarian Science. Their farm had grain crops and a wide range of farm animals to supply their families’ food needs.

Jacob and Sophia had two sons. Sadly, one of their sons was killed in the First World War. Leona’’s grandfather, Oscar came home to The Jungle Farm.

Oscar Percival married Ada Stevenett and they lived and farmed on The Jungle Farm raising four children. All enjoyed music and farm life. They had a wide range of farm animals and grain crops.

Leona’’s dad, Gerald, was the youngest son. Gerald married Betty Hamar and continued farming at The Jungle Farm. Gerald and Betty raised Purebred Shorthorn cattle and grain. They had four children who were actively involved in 4-H and music.

The Farm Today

Jacob’s great grand-daughter, Leona, with her husband Blaine Staples have been farming at The Jungle Farm since 1996.

Leona finished high school in Innisfail and went on to further her education at the University of Alberta earning a BSc in Home Economics. She was hired by Alberta Agriculture to work as a District Home Economist in Medicine Hat. This is where she met Blaine. Blaine is a U of A grad with a Masters degree in Agriculture.

Blaine and Leona had the unique opportunity to manage Goldeye Center at Nordegg for five years before coming back to The Jungle Farm. They chose to expand the farm into strawberries and vegetables to complement the grain farm.

Now Blaine and Leona’s boys are active on the farm. The three boys can be seen around the farm helping customers, playing with other children, or driving our tractors. Lewis completed his studies in 2015 at NAIT earning his Electrical Engineering Technology certificate. Lewis works all over Alberta with an Edmonton based company. Richard is studying Agriculture at the University of Alberta. He is actively involved with the Ag Club and his fraternity FarmHouse. Richard has worked various summer jobs (not at home) but based from our farm. You will often find Richard in our strawberry patch enjoying a snack. Gerald is the sport kid. He is an active member of the Torpedo water polo team based in Calgary. Gerald can be counted on to help out wherever he is needed on the farm. He can now find him at Innisfail Growers booth at some farmers markets. Lewis, Richard and Gerald all add their own unique flare to the farm.

Blaine and Leona believe volunteering creates a better world. They have been involved in various organizations and groups. Their boys dictated some of their volunteer time so groups such as scouts, baseball, soccer, school parent councils, and water polo. They also like to be actively involved in industry organizations such as Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association, North America Strawberry Growers, Olds College, and Innisfail Coop.

The Staples welcome you to their farm for an experience that is sure to keep you coming back for more!