This research paper reviews the effectiveness of whole farm-system analysis in evaluating strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from livestock production. The authors highlight that while individual mitigation strategies at the animal or soil level are important, understanding the complex interactions within the entire farm system is crucial for effective reductions in emissions. They describe how mechanistic models can estimate the greenhouse gas emissions at the farm-gate and evaluate various mitigation strategies’ impacts on emissions intensity and profitability. The evidence presented shows that improving efficiency in livestock systems can lead to both increased productivity and decreased emissions. The paper includes concrete examples of how whole farm-system modelling has been applied in different contexts, emphasising the importance of considered metrics and allocation methods to inform policy and promote future research in sustainable farming practices.