The by products are viable, which is why I pointed out that the Webster Co plant location might have been picked do more to its location within an animal food source area. One can't completely discount corn in the area either, because it is raised just to the west and north, but I admit I don't know the volume. I do know there's a chicken or turkey house, or two, in the area. A few cattle and hogs too. The sugar in corn doesn't have to be fermented to be extracted. I don't know the process, only that its often used in producing corn syrup.
As far as the amount of energy in Ethanol, where is gasoline, extraction, piping, shipping, refining, distribution?
The complaint from Ethanol supporters that the opposition is counting the phone call to order corn seed in the equation might be valid.