Family Background

In the late 1800’s, Jacob Daniel Quantz pioneered west from Ontario to Alberta.  Jacob and his wife Sophie homesteaded a quarter NE of the current farm.  In 1897, they bought and named The Jungle Farm.  This quarter allowed them to be neighbors to family.  Jacob was a graduate from the University of Guelph in Veterinarian Science.  Their farm had grain crops and a wide range of farm animals.    Jacob and Sophia had two sons.  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.  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 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.

Jacob's greatgranddaughter 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.

In 1997, The Jungle Farm celebrated its 100th year of the Quantz family continuously farming the land.  When you come to visit The Jungle Farm be sure to look for the beautiful brass plaque by the farm store door commemorating this milestone.

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