The Man Who Moves the Green Beneath Our Feet

In 1973, as Harold Workman prepared for the following year’s inaugural North American Livestock Exposition (as it was called then), Roy Gibson of Feeder Supply Company was tasked with creating the iconic green shavings. The creation of the shavings prompted a collaboration with B.D. Smith and his 1974 Chevy truck, “Smitty.” For nearly 50 years, the green shavings, dyed by the Gibson family, who happen to be Smith’s neighbors, have arrived in “Smitty” with Smith behind the wheel.  

“The truck is 50 years old,” said Smith. “All the green shavings have been hauled by it, and I have hauled 99% of it myself.”    

Smith, who grew up and still lives on the family farm in Taylorsville, KY, was introduced to the essential job of hauling our favorite shade of green through his neighborly support of the Gibson family and his passion for hauling. Smith says that passion is “in his blood” as he followed in his father’s footsteps. And that path has luckily brought him to us at the NAILE. Although not a native stock show attendee, Smith has grown accustomed to the community many of us hold close to our hearts.  

“I have met a lot of friendly, nice people,” said Smith. “I just have a wonderful time doing the shows; strangers just stop and talk to me!”  

Reminiscing on the many stories Smith from over the years, he shared one of the most memorable moments with Louisville news reporter Kirby Adams.  

“I started dumping the shavings, and Kirby was back there by the corner; I said, ‘Kirby, you better move; you’re going to get sawdust on you,’ but she just stood there, and it covered her up all the way up her boots,” said Smith chuckling.   

Each year, Smith and “Smitty” haul 15 to 18 loads of green shavings to NAILE. This year, Smith’s frequent trips to the fairgrounds have been shared with his son Jason as Smith recovers from some health issues.  

“My old truck, I don’t know. I just don’t know which one of us is going to give out first, whether the truck is going to give out first or if I am!” Smith jokingly adds. “But we’re going to hang in there as long as we can. Both of us.” 

If you happen to see “Smitty” driving around NAILE or dumping green shavings, give him a wave or thank you. And if you don’t see him, the next time you step onto those green shavings, know there are some special people behind them. Smith is one of the unseen and dedicated forces that has made NAILE the memorable event it is.