1920s and became a public hospital in 1950. However, in 1990 it became a residential care centre for elderly people, and the nearest hospital is now in Launceston. Employment In the , the most common industries of employment for Longford residents were: 7.2% – Sheep, Beef Cattle and Grain Farming 4.5% – School Education 3.5% – Meat and Meat Product Manufacturing 2.9% – Residential Care Services 2.5% – Road Freight Transport Local businesses Swift Australia (Southern) Pty Limited runs Longford abattoir, and is one of the state's largest regional employers. The plant processes 450 beef and 1500 smallstock per day and employs 460. Tasmania is the only Australian state that has banned the use of Hormonal Growth Promotants (HGPs) in cattle, so the plant guarantees its products are free of HGP. Selborne Biological Services runs a biotechnology manufacturing facility in Longford, producing bovine serum and other blood products such as polyclonal antisera and protein fractions, destined for the biotech, pharmaceutical, veterinary, and diagnostics industries. They take advantage of the fact that Tasmania is free of BSE and scrapie. For the same reasons, International Therapeutic Proteins has farms with manufacturing facility for antitoxins and other biologics in Longford. Koppers Inc has a wood treatment plant in Longford. The company produces treated wood poles, piling timbers and other timber for outdoor use. Other local employers include Longford Brickworks, an Agricultural Machinery business called Agline, Longford Sawmill, and service industry jobs. Many people commute to work in Launceston. Recreation Racecourse The Longford Racecourse is the oldest continuously operating racecourse in Australia. Longford is home to many horse studs and training facilities, and the Longford races are held annually on New Year's Day, with thoroughbred horse racing and the Elders Webster Longford Cup. Longford Show The annual Longford Show was first held in 1858 and is one of the longest running rural shows in Australia. Held in October, it attracts between 7000 and 8000 people. It includes equestrian events, poultry and dog shows, chopping and tree felling, sheep and fleeces, rides and games, as well as displays of artwork from local schools. Longford motor racing circuit From 1953 to 1968, two Australian Grand Prix, several Tasman Cup races and touring car and motorcycle championship were organized on the Longford Circuit. Longford Golf Club Longford has a popular golf course south of the town, with eleven holes, seven of which have alternate tees. Woodstock Lagoon