Local agriculture producers and the Wilkes Economic Development Corp are celebrating grant funding. The Golden LEAF Foundation has given a $63,000 grant to the Wilkes EDC for buying agricultural  equipment  that Wilkes County farmers can rent at reduced prices.  The Wilkes EDC will manage the funds along with the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service and the Wilkes Cattlemen’s Association. The Ag Grant funds from Golden Leaf will buy a portable corral, tandem axle fertilizer and lime spreader, 500-gallon liquid applicator, and Arrow Cattle handling system.  In addition, the Wilkes EDC plans to give $15,000 along with $5000 from Wilkes Cattlemen’s Association to purchase a vehicle to transport the rental equipment to farmers when needed.