The two main official requirements for CAB are a 51% black hide and marbling. (no dairy, no hump, able to stand on all fours, etc...are obvious)

Obviously a Hereford, no matter how well it marbles, will never make the "A" due to hide color only.

The AHA has a CHB program that is growing.  A local restaurant now has CHB on the menu. And it is an excellent steak. (I felt obligated to try some as a civic duty ;) )

There is a Hereford-influenced calf sale in December that some folks pool their weaned/shots program calves for.

The field will level out in the future and cattle will be judged by the carcass more than the hide color.

Jim