Development of replacement heifers continues to be an intensive management system because of the cost associated with development and time lapse of receiving a return on that female (weaning her first calf no earlier than 2 ½ years of age). There is no shortage of research when it comes to development strategies and the question has always surfaced whether it was cheaper to raise or purchase replacement heifers. Depending on the year, cattle, feed, and fertilizer prices, that decision would change. However, with the current prices that the U.S. beef industry is experiencing, purchasing replacement heifers will be costly.