He graduated from Villisca High School in 1971 and from Iowa Western Community College in 1973. Senator Shipley earned a Bachelor's of Science in agriculture education in 1975 from Iowa State University.

After graduating from Iowa State University, he taught VoAg from 1975 to 1978 at Fremont-Mills High School.

He has devoted much of his life to agriculture, working as a livestock production specialist for Land O' Lakes, a feed department manager at United Farmers Merc. Coop, and director of issues and policy management for the Iowa Cattlemen's Association.

Senator Shipley has one daughter, a son-in-law and one granddaughter.

He always has been active in the community, serving 18 years as a member on the Villisca School Board, 22 years in the Villisca Volunteer Ambulance Service, and as an elder, deacon, Sunday school teacher and choir member in the First Presbyterian Church. Senator Shipley also served as board member on the Mills/Montgomery County Cattlemen's Association, Adams County Cattlemen's Association, and the Iowa Cattlemen's Association District 18 director. He additionally served as the Iowa membership co-chair.

Senator Shipley also has small farming operation and cow herd in Nodaway.