Paul Ipock
In town: For the past 13 years Paul Ipock of Seymour, Mo., has been known as the Webster County Presiding Commissioner. As the Presiding Commissioner he spends his time setting a budget for the county, maintaining the courthouse and overseeing the bridge department as well.
In the Country: Paul and his wife, Robin, own a farm in Webster County where they run a small herd of cattle. From 1974 to 2006, Paul ran a registered Holstein operation before switching to beef cattle. The couple also has a small garden to provide fresh produce for themselves, their children and their families. Paul said, “Having a farm has taught me how to set budgets, meet them and be conservative.”
Paul also does his own custom hay bailing during the summer, which consumes most of his free time. He cuts and bales all around the county for farmers and neighbors. His love for the public and socializing with people brought his interest in custom hay bailing.
Making it all work: A typical day for Paul is almost atypical; however he still manages to have time for both his job and the farm. He gets up at 6 a.m. and heads to the office on Mondays and Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and then home to do his own farm chores.
“The jobs are a good mix, they complement each other but only one is a stress relief,” he said jokingly. “Beef cows are a lot easier than the dairy operation we used to run, we had no life. My county job and running the farm both take hard work, dedication, mental and physical work.”
Story and Photo by Allison Hyde
