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Chester County Woman Elected First Female President Of National Grange

By Mark Abrams

UPPER OXFORD TOWNSHIP, Pa., (CBS) – A Chester County native long associated with Pennsylvania's agriculture heritage has been elected the first woman President of the National Grange.

Betsy Huber was born and raised on a dairy farm outside of West Chester.

She's been around the farm all of her life and has served as a spokeswoman for agricultural issues on the state level for many years.

Now, Huber, who has been a township supervisor in Upper Oxford Township for 24 years, is the new leader of the National Grange.

"I really was born into the Grange. My grandparents belonged, my parents belonged so from the time I was born, I've attended Grange meetings."

Huber says the Grange has long served as a support and social network for farmers. But it's role has evolved over time.

"We're recognized in Harrisburg and Washington as an agricultural organization, although now anyone can join. Everybody is interested in agriculture because everybody eats."

Huber says she expects lots of travel and communication with granges across the country, although she'll continue to live in Chester County and commute to Washington.

Her term runs for two years.

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