Two studies were conducted to evaluate the performance of feedlot steers finished under heat mitigation strategies in Southeastern US. The first study examined: cover with fan (CWF), cover with no fan (CNF), and outside drylot with no shade or fan (OUT). Cover successfully reduced solar load and morning and afternoon panting. Although CNF and CWF had similar performance traits, fans improved overall rate of gain. Carcass, sensory, and shelf life values were similar among treatments, while hot carcass weights (HCW) were heavier for CWF. The second study evaluated similar treatments to experiment 1 with optional shading (SHADE) added. Cover showed similar improvements to experiment 1, while SHADE and OUT were similar.. Covered steers exhibited improvements to carcass marbling and HCW; however, values were similar when steers were taken to a similar weight. Cover and fans enhanced performance allowing steers to achieve target weight and carcass characteristics in a shorter period.