Abstract: A process and apparatus for automatically and continuously cutting hog carcasses into primal cuts includes means for moving the hog carcasses in a predetermined path of travel. The carcasses are first separated into carcass sides and are conveyed on adjustable support mechanisms. Optical scanning devices view each primal cut portion of each carcass to locate a reference structure on the primal cut portion. The scanned reference structure is compared to a programmed cut pattern by a computer which controls operation of a plurality of cutting devices. The cutting devices are adjusted in response to the comparison of the scanned reference structure of the primal cut with the pre-programmed cut pattern. The computer program will include many cut patterns for each primal cut. The computer may be programmed daily, or in more frequent intervals, to select a particular cut pattern for each primal cut. The computer selects the desired cut pattern which has been predetermined for that particular time.