Two experiments were conducted to improve nutrition in southeast beef cattle production systems. Experiment 1 examined the nutritive value and digestibility of Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense) conserved as silage. Lignin, NDF, and ADF increased with increasing maturity (P < 0.0001), while CP and RFQ decreased (P < 0.01). Total VFA and ammonia increased with decreasing maturity (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.001, respectively). Experiment 2 analyzed the impact of Cu status and TM supplementation on animal performance. Year one examined supplementation by an inorganic versus organic source. Manganese, Se, and Fe were not impacted by background or treatment, while Zn, Co, and Mo were (P < 0.05). On Day 0, background had a significant effect on Cu concentration (P = 0.02). Year two examined supplementation by an injectable source (Multimin 90). Weight and ADG were not impacted by background or treatment in either year of this study (P > 0.05).