Gone But Not Forgotten: The Jordan Meat and Livestock Company

1225 West 3500 South

For decades, the unmistakable scent of raw meat carried on the breeze was a familiar—and sometimes unwelcome—part of life for residents near the Jordan Meat and Livestock Company. Though the building is long gone, the legacy of the business and its founder, Samuel L. Guss, remains a unique chapter in the history of West Valley and Salt Lake’s livestock industry.

Samuel Guss, born in 1904 in Poland, immigrated to the United States in 1920 with little more than ambition and a willingness to work. He quickly became immersed in the livestock trade and established himself as a respected figure in the intermountain region’s cattle industry. Known for his sharp business acumen and dedication to agriculture, he went on to found Jordan Meat and Livestock Co. in 1946.

The business thrived for many years under Sam’s leadership. He was known not just as a successful cattle dealer but also as a passionate supporter of youth agricultural programs. He lent significant support to 4-H clubs and the Future Farmers of America, believing firmly in investing in the next generation of farmers and ranchers. His involvement in the Western States Meat Packers Association and the Independent Meat Packers of Utah positioned him as a leader in the regional meat industry.

Though the smell from the plant wasn’t always appreciated by nearby residents, the company played an important economic and agricultural role in the area. It provided jobs, processed livestock for local farmers, and stood as a reminder of the region’s strong agricultural roots. The plant was also part of a larger network—Sam's brother, Paul Guss, owned and operated Granite Meat and Livestock Co. at 500 E. 5600 South, making the Guss brothers prominent figures in Utah’s meatpacking scene.

Earlier in his career, in May 1920, Sam had purchased the Utah Packing and Provision Company plant just north of Salt Lake City near Warm Springs for $50,000, demonstrating his early vision and commitment to expanding the meat industry in the state.

Beyond business, Sam Guss was also deeply rooted in his faith and community. He was a devoted member of Congregation Montefiore, later Congregation Kol Ami, and active in organizations such as Bnai Brith, the Jewish Community Center, and the Murray Rotary Club. His personal and professional lives reflected a dedication to service, leadership, and heritage.

When Samuel Guss passed away in 1984 at the age of 79, Utah lost not just a successful businessman, but a pioneering spirit who helped shape the meatpacking industry in the state. Today, little remains of the Jordan Meat and Livestock plant—just distant memories and the occasional joke from longtime residents who remember when the wind blew from the wrong direction.

As the city has grown and changed, replacing agricultural operations with subdivisions and shopping centers, it's important to remember places like Jordan Meat and the people like Sam Guss who built them. The legacy of hard work, entrepreneurship, and community support endures, even as the smell (thankfully) has faded into history.Jordan Meat Company sat just west of the Jordan River.

For some reason all I remember about the meat plant is the sickening smell of meat in the air. As a child I would dread driving past the plant for fear that I wouldn't be able to hold my breath long enough to pass it.